OXENHOPE'S run of near misses continued as an improved performance against Northowram HT again failed to deliver that elusive first win in Halifax League Division One.

Northowram's innings of 253-9 was built around an excellent 92 from A Stocks as they posted a challenging but achievable target. For the visitors, Jaz Jheeta continued to impress with the ball as he took 5-89 off 18 overs into the wind.

Oxenhope were well placed at 128-3, with Graham Smith leading the charge with a fine 81. The middle order, however, fell to the Gardiner brothers, who took three wickets each.

An unbroken last-wicket stand between Tom Mawer (18) and Duncan Tetley (22) denied the home side the full points but never really threatened to snatch an unlikely victory as the overs ran out.

Oxenhope II continued their unbeaten start to the season with a comprehensive six-wicket win at home to Cullingworth.

An opening stand of 44 between Clark (44) and Tim Welsh showed promise but once Robin Cusdin removed them both the innings capitulated, with Cusdin taking 6-52 and only youngster Kyle Welsh showing any resistance with a stylish 17 before being run out as the visitors were dismissed for 110.

The home side set about finishing the match quickly as Brendan Ellison (28) and Jacob Ashbrook (27) made an impressive start before Nathan Storton blasted a quick fire 28no to seal victory, with Russell Hogg taking three consolation wickets.