HARDEN remain cut adrift at the bottom of Aire-Wharfe League Division Two after losing by the narrowest of margins at Calverley.

Having elected to bat, they posted a respectable 194 all out in 47 overs thanks in the main to Neil Kettle (46) and opener Tom Cummins (27).

Johnny Hudson (3-51) and Nav Panesar (4-52) were the chief wicket-takers for the hosts, who had opener Julian Thornhill (41), Tom Westerman (32) and Ally Long (40no) to thank for getting them over the line with one wicket to spare in the 51st over. This was despite the efforts of Andy Bailey (3-60) and Cummins (3-44).

Steeton's relegation worries deepened as they were put to the sword at Division One title-chasing Horsforth.

Oliver Hardaker was in no mood to hang about as he smashed 19 fours and seven sixes in making 161. He put on 101 with Gareth Lee (65) and 208 with Charlie Swallow (69no) as Horsforth recovered from 21-2 to set a 331-4 target.

Pick of the bowlers for Steeton on a tough day in the field was Paul Hardwick (2-84).

Swallow (3-19) and Andrew Robinson (4-22) saw off Steeton for 161 with No 9 James Emmott showing most resistance in a quick-fire 42 from 25 deliveries. Tom Stead also weighed in with 28 from 26 balls.

Ajantha Weerapuli (62) and Nick Flood (55) top-scored in Tong Park Esholt’s 271-9 at home to Silsden in Division Three.

Zabeeh Ullah was the Cobbydalers' chief wicket-taker with 3-59 before the visitors slumped to just 82 all out in reply.

Will Murray (4-34) and Mahir Ali (3-26) clinched the 189-run win as Shaun Brentnall (25) and Ullah (17) were the only batsmen to reach double figures.

Second teams

Steeton II were surprised when they were asked to bat first on an excellent track at Summerhill Lane against bottom side Horsforth II. But the top order failed to capitalise as they slumped to 87-6. However, their tail wagged as Oliver Gledhill scored an excellent 49 from 35 deliveries. Phil Barrett contributed 24, while Zaggy Pearson smashed an unbeaten 46 from 41 deliveries as Steeton closed on 226 all out.

In reply Horsforth were put to the sword by a fantastic opening spell by Callum Lowe, who took 7-35. He was given good support by Luke Watson (3-24) as the visitors were skittled for 99 in 27.4 overs.

Harden fell just short in a close game at home to Calverley, who posted 210 all out in 43 overs, Lee Spragg (3-32) and Ben Simpson (3-13) the pick of the hosts' bowling.

Nick Verity (32), Mark Portlock (67) and Simpson (39) were to the fore in reply but Harden were bowled out for 206.

Will Pullan (4-13) and Matt Shuttleworth (3-15) helped skittle Thackley for just 90 but the Cobbydalers fared even worse as they could only make 80 all out in reply. Andrew Pullan made 25 but man of the match Jonathan Holden (9-35) ensured the visitors triumphed.