STEETON'S last pair batted for six overs to avoid defeat in a rain-affected Aire-Wharfe League Division Two game at home to Leeds Modernians.

In what was the first ever meeting between the sides, the hosts' opening bowlers soon had their visitors in trouble having won the toss and opted to field.

Modernians were 48-3 as Joe Stead (2-45) and Steve Pearson (1-44) claimed wickets. Skipper Paul Hardwick also weighed in with 1-47 but the star of the show was undoubtedly James Emmott, who bowled a fantastic 14.3 overs, taking 6-50. Leeds were reduced to 105-7 but a century stand for the eighth wicket between Christian Slinger (66) and former Leeds United and England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn (36) meant they finished on 207 all out in 44.3 overs.

Rain reduced the number of overs available for Steeton’s reply to 43 overs in which the hosts struggled.

Bradley Akrigg (29) and Tom Stead (38 from 38 balls) led the way but the hosts were in trouble at 88-5.

Emmott repeated his heroics with the bat in scoring a superb 31 from just 25 deliveries but his dismissal saw them on the brink at 136-8.

They lost another wicket to leave them 154-9, which brought injured veteran John Akrigg to the crease.

The batsman had dropped down from opener to No 4 due to a bad back but had had to limp off after only one ball.

However, he reappeared at No 11 and, together with Joe Stead (11no) ensured Steeton held out for ten points on 174-9.

Steeton II were also involved in a rain-hit match at Rawdon II.

In a match reduced to 45 overs per side, Steeton put 65 on for the opening wicket as Chris Luxton top-scored with 45.

Andrew Luxton (25) and Zaggy Pearson (23) also contributed but batting was hard in wet conditions as the visitors reached 153-7.

Rawdon looked well set to knock the runs off but the game was abandoned with them 71-1 in 13 overs.

Harden's first team had no game in Division Three while their second team was washed out at home to Colton.