A FIVE-WICKET haul from skipper Paul Hardwick saw Steeton claim a 21-run win at home to Tong Park-Esholt in Aire-Wharfe League Division Two.

Steeton had made 28-0 before the heavens opened and over 100 minutes were lost to rain.

When the players returned, John Akrigg (48) and Craig Walton (40) put on 79 for the second wicket as the hosts reached 179 all out from 39.1 overs, Mohammed Nadim taking 6-53.

Tong Park’s replay began poorly as they were reduced to 30-3 as chief destroyer Hardwick began to eat into the batting on his way to 5-38.

Steve Pearson also weighed in with 3-54 as Park struggled to 158 all out, Hardwick taking a spectacular one-handed catch to finish them off.

The victory moved Steeton up to fourth in the table.

Harden are also on the climb as they moved up to third place in Division Three after a comfortable win over Green Lane.

Alex Antoine followed up a half-century in side's 181 all out in 42-2 overs with 5-34, linking up with Andy Bailey (4-19) to dismiss Lane for just 87.

Steeton II lost another rain-affected match by 34 runs at Tong Park Esholt II.

It looked like the match would be called off but the players returned to the field after 28 overs were lost.

Skipper Gary Boulton was Steeton’s top wicket-taker with 3-60 off 13 overs. Tong Park upped their run rate to make 182-6 off 36 overs before declaring to ensure a positive result could be achieved.

In reply Will Luxton (40) shared a 48-run third-wicket partnership with his uncle Andrew Luxton (26). When the former was out, the visitors were on 104-5 after 27 overs and further wickets fell as Steeton chased the target, falling short on 148 all out in 33.3 overs.

Harden II claimed a 45-run win at home to Green Lane II.

The hosts reached 195-7 thanks to 82 from Hasnehn Haider and 35 by Martin Falkingham.

The total proved sufficient as Lane were restricted to 150-7, Robin Hopwood claiming 3-31.