Investigation could keep Steeton hopes alive

11:01am Tuesday 2nd September 2008

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Steeton may be thrown a promotion lifeline from Aire-Wharfe League Division Two after they appeared to have missed out despite a six-wicket win over Calverley.

The league is understood to be investigating a situation surrounding leaders Knaresborough’s overseas player Dale Tormey.

They declined to reveal any details other than to confirm there might be ‘a problem’ and that they would make an announcement after their investigations.

Meanwhile, Silsden made sure they will move into their new clubhouse next season playing Division One cricket after clinching promotion with a victory that confirmed New Rover’s relegation.

Yasser Ali (57) top-scored as Silsden were restricted to 162 by the bowling of Tom Rhea, whose six for eight included a hat-trick. But Ali then picked up three for 14 and, with Zeeshan Qasim again the main striker with four for 45, Silsden dismissed the visitors for 106.

That takes them to 78 points and, while Steeton could match that, Silsden have won more games and are therefore certain of promotion.

Gary Boulton took his season tally to 50 wickets when he picked up four for 49 as Calverley reached 206 for six, with Shahid Bashir top-scoring on 45. Richard Atkins hit 12 fours and three sixes in his 95 and put on 72 with Neil Spragg (48no) as Steeton got home with six wickets and three overs to spare.

A season best 71 not out from James Druce helped Tong Park pick up a point at Knaresborough that could keep them in the second flight.

But things don’t look so bright for Olicanian after they went down by five wickets to Harden. It was Harden’s second successive win over a fellow struggler and confirms their place in Division Two next season.

The foundations for victory were laid by Craig Winter-sgill (5-19) and Simon Wood (4-37) as Olicanian were dismissed for 95, with Lesley Scown (35) leading the successful reply.

The championship chase in Division One was blown wide open when third-placed North Leeds beat Rawdon while leaders Kirkstall Educational and second-placed Guiseley both lost.

Guiseley fell victims to bottom club Collingham when they could only reach 79 in reply to the visitors’ 119.

Rawdon fared little better as Farhan Khan (8-50) ripped out their batting for only 86 in reply to North Leeds’ 214 for six.

Nick Brook produced a 24.5 over spell of five for 23 as Pool were bowled out for 103. Then brother David hit 56 off 34 balls to secure a five-wicket win for Burley that should be enough to see them survive in the top flight.

That sent Pool into the relegation zone along with Bilton, who were beaten by Otley with James Davies following up his 71 with four for 37 .

Green Lane had no answer to the bowling of Adel’s Andrew MacAmmond, who took nine for 26 as Lane were skittled out for 85 on the way to an eight-wicket defeat.

In Division Three, Ilkley extended their unbeaten run to five when they took five points off Thackley. But with Skipton losing at Bolton Villas, Thackley are confirmed as promoted and could still be divisional champions over Illingworth who they meet in the final match of the season.

Martin Hanson (6-52) restricted Ilkley to 158 but Nick Cockroft (4-33) and Robert Harrison (2-26 in 25 overs) ensured Thackley struggled to 104 for nine.

Bolton Villas moved to third from top when they overcame Skipton. Steve Wilson top-scored with 73 as Villas reached 180 for eight with Ajay Rajput taking six for 50. Skipton never got going against Sam Lawrence (4-23) and Rehan Butt (4-17) and were bowled out for 91.

Hall Park had the distinction of becoming the first side to beat Illingworth in a low-scoring match. Defend-ing a total of just 82, Park’s Craig Hobson took four for 12 and Nadeem Hanif six for 46, including a hat-trick, to win by ten runs.

Owen Hughes (3-24) and Abe Smith (5-1) skittled out Addingham for 54 but Menston still only got home by three wickets.

Oliver Hardaker (66no) and Kris Lewis (6-46) were the stars of Horsforth’s 62-run win over Alwoodley, while Ben Rhydding went down by four wickets to Woodhouse.