SALTAIRE might have got the sense it was not going to be their day in Division One of the Aire-Wharfe League when they found themselves 0-2 after four balls of their game against leaders Otley at Roberts Park at the weekend.

Batting first, the hosts could not have made a worse start, and they were indebted to a battling 44 from Muhammad Khurshid in the middle order, who at least ensured they had a total of 116 to defend.

Otley did not have it all their own way though and opening bowlers Sajad Ali and Abdi-Hasan Ahmed took two wickets apiece to help reduce their opponents to 108-6.

But it was too little too late for Saltaire, as they slipped to a low-scoring four-wicket defeat.

Tong Park Esholt are enjoying life in the top flight since promotion though, and they enjoyed a 19-run win at Burley-in-Wharfedale on Saturday.

Captain Dave Hester hit 52 at the top of the order, while Dru Patel’s 36 not out ensured the visitors closed their innings on 179-8.

Josh Bennett then dismantled the Burley top order to leave them floundering on 79-6.

But the hosts staged a fine recovery, before falling just short, bowled out for 160 with 10 balls of the innings remaining.

Bolton Villas are struggling in Division Two, but felt they had a chance when Mahboob Hussain took 4-20 to ensure opponents Bardsey were bowled out for 177.

But from a position of strength in the reply, Villas collapsed from 101-3 to end up all out for 140.

Divisional rivals Steeton lost to Olicanian by six wickets.

In Division Three, Thackley were sitting pretty when Jordan Moore’s magnificent 6-23 helped skittle Horsforth for just 102.

At 58-3, Thackley were strolling to victory, but they then proceeded to fall apart, and were dismissed by their visitors for just 76.

It was a better day for Harden, who recovered well from a poor start to beat Skipton by 71 runs.

Bingley Congs suffered their first Aire-Wharfe League defeat on Saturday, having made a good start following their move from the Craven League.

They could only make 124 at Tong Park seconds, captain Neil Copping (40) the only player to really trouble the scorers.

Tong Park were wobbling a little at 80-5, but regained their composure to win by five wickets.