OXENHOPE pushed Halifax League Premier Division leaders Booth all the way at the weekend, only to fall to a two-wicket defeat.

Lewis Hopkinson led the batting with 81 not out, but he had little help from his team-mates as only three hit double figures while setting a total of 171 all out. Duncan Tetley made 22 coming in at number 11.

Liam Dyson got Oxenhope off to a flying start when Booth replied, taking both opening batters for just seven runs. However, Usman Saghir made 60 to help the leaders to a difficult victory despite the efforts of Dyson (4-59), Joel Fothergill (2-44) and Tetley (2-52).

In Division One, third-placed Cullingworth's victory over leaders Sowerby Bridge gave the promotion race a new look as only three points now separate the top three.

The most surprising factor was the manner of victory, with Dave Robinson (7-44) helping Cullingworth to an emphatic seven-wicket win.

Jon Terry got his side off to a strong start, scoring 33 before being caught out, but it was the in-form Ben Birkill who led the way. His return of 73 not out helped Cullingworth past Sowerby Bridge's 164 all out, keeping the battle at the top wide open.