There have been some terrific matches this season with some close finishes but none could possibly match the thriller between Haworth and Oakworth in the First Division.

The Cure Hill side went into the match as one of only two sides with 100 per cent records. They batted first and rattled up an imposing 250-5 in their innings with Michael Scarborough leading the way with 93 assisted by Joel Gallagher 51 and Graham Rankin 43.

The Bronte side looked to be down and out at 118-6 and then Damian Rowell opened his shoulders and produced a phenomenal innings. He figured in a 92 run partnership which included 90 from him. His big hitting - 19 sixes and 3 fours - took them to the brink of a sensational win. With the last pair at the wicket and two needed for victory with seven overs to spare he launched another big hit only to be caught just inside the boundary by visiting skipper Nigel Lockley, and the points went back across the valley.

Rowell finished on 146 with Richard Godden, who opened the innings, chipping in with 48 as Rankin claimed 5-75 and Scarborough 4-61.

Joining the South Craveners on six points are newly-promoted Crossflatts who entertained Cowling and beat them by five wickets. Steve Mitchell (50) and Nick Staveley (32) helped the visitors to 166. Mick Brooksbank with 48 was the foundation stone for the victors.

Also on six points are Thornton who saw off Glusburn at Booth Bridge Lane. The homesters went first and slumped to 40-4 before Ashley Giles (37), A Anwar (41) and Jason Lockley (56) helped them to a healthy 215. The out of sorts visitors crashed to 131 all out with Anwar taking 4-23 as N Khan top scored with 30.

Embsay got their first of the season with an emphatic nine wicket victory over Sandy Lane at Shires Lane. The visitors were dismissed for a modest 114 with skipper Mark Oldfield, batting at no 9, offering most resistance with 32 as John Metcalfe took 4-30 and Stephen Speak 3-53.

Bingley Congs were another side to open their account at home to Sutton. The visitors made a challenging 207-9 with Paul Hardaker scoring 65 as Peter Watts took 3-43 and Aide Dibb 3-58. Home skipper Andrew Copping made 78, Andrew Jennings 42 and newcomer Damien Morley 41no took the Beckfoot side to victory.

In the Second Division, Denholme and Barrowford have opened a three point gap at the top. The former just managed to hold off the challenge of Long Lee by 16 runs. Robert Taylor made 69 and Stuart Rogers 64 as the home side made 208-5.

Veteran Joe Gordon top scored with 44 as the Keighley Side replied with 192, with Richard Taylor taking 6-56 for the winners.

Haworth Road encountered few problems seeing off visitors Embsay II by 72 runs. Chris Griggs scored a superb 104 as the Baildon Bottom side made 205-5. Andrew Gudgeon 5-35 and Mick Holme 4-14 had the Shires Laners back in the hut for 133. Only Naz Hussain with 54 offered much resistance.

In the Third Division Pendle Forest had few problems seeing off visitors Cowling by eight wickets. The Fence side knocked the South Craveners over for 112. Sam Halstead with 54no led the victory charge.

Skipton CI were also in fine fettle as they saw off Gargrave by 97 runs at Sandylands. Ian Burke made 63 as the homesters totalled 175 despite the best efforts of Taz Malik who took 5-29 off 12 overs. In reply the visitors stumbled to 78 all out with John Stuttard 4-20 being the best bowler.

Carleton slipped up at home to Eldwick & Gilstead, going down by ten runs.

Glusburn III lost their unbeaten record, going down by 40 runs at Eldwick & Gilstead II. The 15 year-old D Pearson took 6-40 for the winners.

There was another tight finish at Gargrave II where visitors Skipton CI IIs secured a 7 run victory while Sutton IIs saw of visitors Denholme IIs by 21 runs at Royd Hill.