STEETON skipper Paul Hardwick set a new club record with a best ever league return of 9-19 in his side's emphatic win over Thackley in Aire-Wharfe Division Two.

Hardwick's figures from 10.4 overs surpassed the previous best of 9-44 set by Grant Lindsay against Knaresborough in 2001.

Visitors Thackley were on a ‘must win’ mission to avoid relegation but lost an important toss and were not surprisingly asked to bat first after heavy recent downpours.

Hardwick ensured his was a good decision as he destroyed the away side, bowling five batsmen as Thackley were skittled for just 53 runs in 21.4 overs.

In reply Steeton opened with the oldest and youngest players in the side. Veteran John Akrigg scored an unbeaten 23 along with youngster Will Luxton, who was not out 24 as the hosts cruised home without loss in 9.2 overs.

Adeel Ashraf put Saltaire a step closer to promotion from Division Three, taking 6-28 as Harden were bowled out for 91 and then hitting an unbeaten 39 to clinch victory by five wickets.

Only Josh Brooksbank made headway for Harden, scoring 34, before Daniel Viles (3-30) and Paul Quinlan (2-21) made things a little uncomfortable for the hosts.

Steeton II were involved in a similarly one-sided affair to their first team's game but they were the side who suffered a big defeat.

The visitors at Ilkley II were dismissed for just 57 in a six-wicket defeat.

Harden II went down at home to Ben Rhydding II, who made 203 all out first up as Steve Gardner took 4-63.

That total proved more than enough as only an unbeaten 38 from No 9 Robin Hopwood prolonged the hosts' reply as they fell short on 132-9.