BATTERS for Steeton and Skipton’s first teams found things a struggle in the Aire-Wharfe League over the weekend.

Skipton won the toss at home to Green Lane in Division Two, but could only score 108 before being dismissed in the 37th over.

Five players made double figures, with three of the top four reaching 20 - keeper Malcolm Birks (26), Keir Nelson (22) and skipper Gary Owens (20) - but it was largely downhill from 56-2, although Muhammad Qadeer (16) and David Hedges (10no) did help them pass three figures in a last-wicket stand of 17.

There was early encouragement with the ball as the visitors were reduced to 43-3, with Owens bagging 2-30, but partnerships of 22 and 32 helped Green Lane to a five-wicket victory in the 32nd over.

Steeton also won the toss at home and batted in the Premier Division, but were dismissed for 122 by Adel.

Opener James Robinson (30) added 56 for the second wicket with Luke Chapman (20), but after that only captain Stephen Pearson (24) could match their efforts as they went from 63-1, Sam O’Sullivan taking 6-40.

Adel then replied with a solid card to win by seven wickets in the 27th over.

There was better news at second-team level for the Summerhill Lane club in the reverse fixture, with Adel back in the pavilion for 145 after winning the toss.

Change bowlers David Wynn (3-29), Adam Hardwick (2-6), Paul Hardwick (2-17) and Bradley Akrigg (2-20) did the damage, and the latter then made a contribution with bat in hand.

He scored 28, adding 48 for the fourth wicket with his dad John (44no) as Steeton passed their target with five wickets down in the 44th over, Craig Walton having earlier made 27.

Skipton’s second strings were involved in a thriller at Bolton Villas in Division Three, Harry Middleton taking 3-43 after the hosts had won the toss and made 204-8 in their 45 overs.

The visitors were 32-3 after tea, but good contributions from the middle and lower order left them agonisingly a run short at 203-6.

Alfie Price (38) put on 86 for the fourth wicket with Luke Facey (44) and 55 for the fifth with skipper Carl Tetley (31), Noah Kennedy chipping in with a 14-ball 24 not out to take Skipton oh so close to victory.