There is a worrying situation for the league concerning the number of games conceded due to clubs being unable to field sides because of a lack of numbers.

Last weekend, seven games were called off for that reason.

The total number of matches conceded is now 30 of 566 league and cup matches – meaning five per cent of games have been shelved due to player shortages.

This is in a year when the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are looking at getting more people into cricket and when funding from Sport England is dependent on player retention.

Meanwhile, the weather played a big part in the proceedings last Saturday, with most games abandoned just into the second innings.

Embsay dropped to the bottom of Division One after unexpected wins for Bradley and Foulridge.

The former were at home to Crossflatts who made a bright start with R Ayub making 44 but fell away to finish on 137-8 in their allotted 39 overs. James Heseltine finished with 4-38 and Phil Binner (4-67).

Bradley had 28 overs to make the runs but only needed 19.5 as they stormed home for the loss of four wickets, with Binner making 49 and Craig Tempest (40no).

Foulridge batted first at Bingley Congs and struggled to 117. With a timed finish, the Beckfoot Lane side tried to bat out the overs but they came unstuck and were dismissed for 62 .

Leaders Oakworth, travelled to Cullingworth and the game was interestingly poised when the umpires called time when conditions became unsafe to continue.

Oakworth won the toss and asked the home side to bat first. Cullingworth struggled to 111-8 when rain forced a break, after which Anthony Partington (26no) and Dave Hall (21) put on 42 for the ninth wicket. The innings closed on 156, with Michael Scarborough taking 6-44.

More rain fell before the visitors could start their reply, which was halted after just three overs with the bowlers sliding about on landing. In that time Gareth Marshall had made 32no from 14 balls with three sixes and three fours.

Cowling took over the Division Two leadership following their victory over Airedale and Riddlesden’s draw at Sutton.

Mohammad Saqab (4-29) and Martyn Dalby (4-26) helped Cowling dismiss Airedale for 95. Graham Rishton (54no) led the visitors to the points in the 20th over.

At Royd Hill, the hosts batted first but, with a delayed start and rain delays, the innings did not finish until 7pm with the score on 103-9, of which Craig Thornton made 32.

With a possible 16 overs to get the runs, Riddlesden were hurtling along at 79-2 off eight overs when the umpires called a halt due to bad light.

Embsay II closed the gap on Division Three leaders Chatburn to just four points when they managed a ten-run win at Bradford & Bingley III.

Evergreen Brian Hodgson (43) and Paul Wormald (31) helped Embsay to 161 as J Baxter claimed 4-46. Bradford & Bingley were dismissed for 151 with Simon Holt taking 5-57 and Jonathan Coward (4-58).

Wilsden II were unable to raise a side for the second week running but stay in third, just a point ahead of Sandy Lane.

John Beckwith made 67 of Gargrave’s 122-4 at home to Eldwick & Gilstead when rain stopped play.

There was no play between Haworth West End and Cononley.

Division Four pacesetters Skipton CI travelled to Golden Acre but had to scrap for the points. against Long Lee II The home team made 102-9, with C Pullan scoring 31 as John Stuttard took 6-69. The Sandylands side then lost six wickets reaching their target, with Martin Seward top-scoring with 34.

Second-placed Cullingworth II, who are 11 points behind Skipton CI, were awarded three points when Ingrow II were unable to raise a side.

Third-placed Glusburn II took the points at home to Bradley II.

The visitors were knocked over for 61 but were 34-9, with No 11 batter M Thompson scoring 19no as Bryan Hollis took 5-27 and Dominic Morti- mer (4-11).

Bradley II galloped home for the loss of three wickets in the 16th over.

At Booth Bridge Lane, visitors Aire-dale II were dismissed for 80, with A Javed top scoring with 34 as Tim Gates took 4-15 and Phil Oldfield (3-30).

Thornton II dashed to the points in 11.4 overs, with Paul Ellis making an unbeaten 58.