THE rain put paid to most games, where no play was possible, but somehow Bingley Congs III and Gargrave II managed to play 69 overs to achieve a result at Sandy Lane in Division Four of the Mewies Craven Cricket League.

The visitors batted first and scored 111-7 before declaring. Skipper Tony Boreham top scored with 39 not out while Matt Mounsey claimed 3-13.

In reply, Congs were knocked over for 84, with Robert Stow making 24 as Maurice Oldfield took 3-7, Rob Storr 3-19 and Paul Messenger 3-38.

The result leaves the hosts in 10th with Gargrave a place further behind in 11th.

Meanwhile, Barrowford have a firm grip on the Division One title. They are level on points with Bingley Congs and have a superior runs/wickets rate.

On paper, the Bull Holme side have the harder match next weekend. They face Haworth Road at home whilst Bingley Congs travel to Ingrow. Hepworth & Idle and Wilsden are already relegated.

Coming up from Division Two are Foulridge and Cowling. No play on Saturday means that the former come up as champions.

The relegation spots are clouded by Chatburn, who are leaving to join the Ribblesdale League. Glusburn are relegated but the other spot involves Cononley, who will finish third bottom.

The League has to decide if they go down, and if they are demoted, three teams will have to come up from Division Three.

Division Three sees Barrowford II three points clear of Riddlesden, with the pair meeting at Barrowford on Saturday to see who will become champions.

Sutton II are already relegated while the other spot is between Haworth II (15 points) and Bradley (13 points).

The former would appear to have the easier task on Saturday as they visit Sutton II, while the Matthew Lane team must win at fortress Ryshworth Park.

Chatburn II are champions of Division Four, but are leaving the league just like their firsts after playing Airedale II in their final game.

Foulridge II (51 points) and Silsden (49 points) are vying for the second definite promotion spot. Whoever finishes third will have to wait for a decision by the Executive Committee.

Something else to ponder over the coming meetings concerns concessions. So far this season, there have been 28 matches conceded, with Oakworth III leading the way with seven.

Currently, the offending team gets fined and their first team loses a point. One has to ask the question is a fine right. Most clubs are struggling to get players on the field – why hit them when they are trying their best?

A few teams this season have turned out with seven, eight or nine players to compete although others take the easy way out and say they cannot raise a team.

Other leagues are reporting similar problems which seems to indicate that cricket has a dilemma to overcome. A lot of head scratching and brain power is needed during the close season to try and find a solution.