STEETON were unable to make a winning start to life in Aire-Wharfe League Division Two as they were beaten by 23 runs at Adel.

The Summerhill Lane side, who were relegated last season, looked in good shape at 92-0 chasing the hosts' 230-7.

But a mid-innings collapse saw them reduced to 124-7 and, despite a late-order rally, they fell short on 207 all out in 48.1 overs.

Opening bowler Josh Gill was the top performer with the ball for Steeton.

He ripped out the first two wickets with a double-wicket maiden and went on to finish with 4-54 from 12 overs, which included two catches by wicketkeeper Andrew Foulds. Spinner Zach Pearson also claimed 2-44.

Steeton’s reply was building nicely but both openers were out with the score on 92, veteran John Akrigg scoring 28 and Foulds producing a fine 62 from 59 deliveries.

An excellent start was squandered as Steeton’s middle order was swept aside before stubborn resistance from James Emmott (40) and new skipper Paul Hardwick (33) saw them add 57 for the eighth wicket but it wasn't enough.

If Harden thought life in a lower division would be easier after they were relegated to the third tier, they were soon given a shock at home to Olicanian.

They were tumbled out for 59 as Ed Broadley (3-18), Sajeed Ijaz (3-13) and Kervon Christmas (3-21) did the damage.

Olicanian did not find batting much easier but former Silsden player Chris Meehan (32no) clinched the six-wicket win.

Steeton II suffered a narrow three-wicket defeat at home to Adel II, their 188 all out total proving insufficient.

Chris Luxton top-scored with 60 and skipper Gary Boulton weighed in with 41no off 36 balls.

The hosts made it difficult for Adel but they edged home despite 3-22 from Boulton.

Harden II (131 all out, Martin Falkingham 48) were well beaten at Olicanian II (132-3).