RAIN ruined an intriguing Aire-Wharfe League Division Three encounter at Harden, who were looking to follow up their Waddilove Cup giant-killing exploits of the previous week.

Having seen off Division One Guiseley, Harden looked well set in their chase of visiting New Rover's 178-7 declared off 28 overs, which saw Richard Falkingham claim 5-62.

Skipper James Roper (36no) led the way for the hosts and found support from Alex Antoine (26) and Mark Portlock (28) but the wet weather won after 17 overs, with Harden on 115-3.

Harden are fifth in the table while Bardsey made short work of knocking off the runs after bowling out Alwoodley for 91 to win the only game played to a finish in the division. That saw them climb above Menston into third place.

Steeton were left kicking their heels as their game at Addingham was rained off along with every other Division Two game.

Steeton II and Harden II matches were also postponed.

Steeton III did take to the field the following day as they bowed out of the Chappell Cup, losing by 56 runs at home to Rawdon III.

In much better conditions, Rawdon’s young opener Sam Baxter (105) made excellent use of the placid track as he guided the visitors to an excellent 216 all out in 39.3 overs.

Pick of the Steeton bowlers was skipper Hayden Tennant, who finished with 4-28 runs from 7.3 overs. Youngster Finlay Brown (1-36) removed the Rawdon centurion with a nice catch at long off by Mick Wilson.

Phil Akrigg took 3-32, which included a great diving catch in the covers by youngster Ewan Johnston.

Steeton would have to score at more than five runs per over to progress and their task was made even harder after they were reduced to 25-4.

But they refused to roll over as Phil Barrett led a rearguard action with 31 to take the score to 100-7 before a remarkable innings by James Yeadon gave them new impetus.

It took Yeadon just 34 deliveries to smash two sixes and eight fours and record his first ever senior half-century (51) but his dismissal spelled the end of the innings at 160.