Skipper Ross Towler was left thrilled as Keighley inflicted defeat on high-fliers Lightcliffe for only the third time this season in the Bradford League Division Two.

The four-wicket win over the favourites – which came in dramatic style with one ball to spare – was in itself enough for Towler to praise his side.

But it was the way they lifted their game just 24 hours after a disappointing loss to Great Horton that really pleased him.

He said: “We played some good cricket on the Saturday (against Great Horton) but just fell short.

“We had a bit of a chat afterwards and just asked the players to raise their game five per-cent in all areas – cut out the four-balls, be a bit sharper in the field and rotate the strike a bit more.

“What was really satisfying about Sunday’s win was that we put those things into practice.”

After another solid innings from Freddy Pearson (48), Max Davidson and Paul Quinlan saw Keighley past Lightcliffe’s total of 157-7 in 25 overs.

The visitors still looked favourites with one over to go but Quinlan hit two straight drives for six to turn the game Keighley’s way.

Joe Stead, Pearson and Jonny Wilkinson were all to the fore as the Lawkholme Lane side lost by six runs to Great Horton the day before.

Chasing 195-5 after Stead had taken 3-51, Pearson made 45 and Wilkinson 44 but the hosts fell just short on 189-7.

Despite the defeat, Towler took heart from more encouraging displays from the young trio.

He said: “Freddy Pearson looks like a seasoned league player and Joe Stead has bowled fantastically well. He has been unlucky not to get more wickets. He has bowled quick and swings it.

“Jonny Wilkinson is looking a really top keeper and also gets quick runs.”

Keighley are in fifth place, just two points off third, but a big gap separates the top two of Saltaire and Lightcliffe.

Towler, whose side visit Bankfoot on Saturday, said: “Realistically, we are looking to compete in every game and hopefully get somewhere near them.

“Saltaire and Lightcliffe have been consistent all year and it would take quite a slip-up from them not to go up.”

Keighley II romped to a ten-wicket victory at Brighouse as Hammy Shahzad took 5-36 in helping to dismiss the hosts for 79. Liam Dyson led the way with 43 not out, backed up by Andrew Waggett with an unbeaten 28.

Their game at Bankfoot the following day was washed out.