SHAHBAZ Ahmed took a five-wicket haul for Long Lee in Division Two of the Mewies Craven Cricket League as they played out a thrilling home tie with Gargrave.

The hosts batted first, making 208-9 in their innings. Richard Ayrton (46) top scored with Stephen Butterfield adding an important 25 not out. Will Smith claimed 5-74 for Gargrave.

Joe Wood (58) and Tom Storr (44) pushed the visitors to the brink, despite Ahmed's 5-40. However, Butterfield bowled last man Paul Messenger for five to ensure the spoils were shared on an entertaining afternoon.

Leaders Cowling struggled when they entertained Cononley. Batting first, they were restricted to 142. Ajmal Choudhry (44) and extras (30) led the way as Scott Brook (4-35) and Tom Feather (3-25) took the bowling plaudits.

The visitors crashed to 96 all out though, with Shahid Hussain (3-8) and Jalal Khan (3-19) starring.

Foulridge are second after a nervy one wicket victory at Airedale. The hosts had Simon Hunter (71) to thank for their 168 but Scott Ritchie’s 5-53 in the visitors' reply was not enough to earn a surprise victory.

Glusburn were dismissed for 133 as Attique Khan took 5-28. Sandy Lane then got home by three wickets, Shoaib Butt making 41 as Bryan Hollis claimed 4-58.

Eldwick & Gilstead enjoyed a seven-wicket home win over Haworth Road II .The visitors made 149 as Bhushan Desai took 4-39. The hosts cruised home thanks to Ajeet Singh's 86 not out.

Division One leaders Bingley Congs stay top despite losing. They entertained Denholme who rattled up 236-6. Richard Taylor hit 38 and all of the batsmen reached double figures as Mohammad Adil finished with 3-55.

The hosts replied with 210, of which Adil made 84, as Matt Wear took 4-48.

Crossflatts were dismissed for just 86 by Barrowford and were duly thrashed by six wickets, while Oakworth are third after losing at Ingrow.

The home side went first and amassed 227. Wayne Exley (49) was the pick of the batters whilst Tom Fothergill (5-50) bowled well. Lewis Wrathall (49) led the reply but Mohammed Arshad took 4-47 to ensure a 43-run win.

Haworth had a fruitful trip to Haworth Road. They made 213-7 with Adam Bailey (74) and Jamie Rowell (63) leading the way. Their opponents could only manage 166-9, with Omak Khatab making 59 as Damian Rowell claimed 3-26.

The bottom two in the table both lost. Hepworth & Idle entertained Sutton and were dismissed for 100, despite Mike Newell's unbeaten 25, as James McDonald bowled brilliantly to finish with 7-27.

The visitors galloped home by seven wickets with skipper Craig Thornton (40no) leading the way.

Second-bottom Wilsden totalled 167-9 as they entertained Embsay. Gareth Wright made 54 as Scott Robinson (4-32) and Phil Binner (3-34) took the bowling honours.

Their opponents proceeded to canter home by nine wickets though, with Arslam Hussain (80no) and Elliot Stockton (51no) putting on an unbeaten partnership of 122.