The Stags’ loss to Embsay has enabled Oakworth to open up a six-point gap after six matches in the Upper Airedale Junior League's Pro Coach Academy Under-15 League.

Oaks’ win against Skipton was not as clear cut as perhaps they had hoped but a 13-run win is still a win.

They were held up by Matthew Mukherjee. The Wharfedale Stags suffered at the hands of Embsay, and in particular their opening pair Joe Holt and Ben Lowry, as the Shires Lane boys moved into third place.

Oxenhope lost again, this time to Sutton via 35 and a nap hand from Ben Whitfield, and their hard-won promotion of 2009 is in some danger.

Fellow strugglers, Gargrave, who have a young side, failed to trouble Settle, who are now fourth.

The Dragons from Denholme ran into the brick wall that was Steeton, who rattled up a stunning 157-5 – the highest score in the division this year.

Andy Wear claimed 38 and two wickets in 120-4 but couldn’t drag his side nearer the Steeton tally, led handsomely by Saleem Qureshi and Luke Watson.

There are now three teams on 12 points and its likely the bookies won’t be able to pick the likely promotion teams as the division is perhaps the most competitive since two-division cricket was introduced.

Glusburn returned to the top with a bang after a top-drawer all-round performance from Alex Horsfield, with back-up from Chris Wademan.

The young Rams were no match and slip a couple of places as a result. Bradley moved into the top four after a six-wicket win against Haworth.

Despite fifties for Chris Bowker and Lloyd Davies, Embsay reached only 111 for the loss of eight wickets at Oakworth in the Keighley Cup2000 Under-17 League.

The Oaks’ depleted side caused the upset of the season so far with a five-wicket win to topple Embsay and help install Haworth West End as new leaders.

West End inflicted a third defeat on champions Sutton, who now slip to fourth place behind Upper Wharfedale.

Oakworth now have a six-point margin over the two promoted sides, who both occupy the danger zone.

Rivals Skipton and Gargrave fought out a close match, with the spoils going to Skipton by 14 runs, Sam Baldwin’s 43 and three wickets being vital.

Steeton continue to hang on the coat-tails of Division Two leaders Oxenhope, who eclipsed Glusburn for their sixth straight win.

The Cobbydale side saw off a firm challenge from Haworth, and Pendle Forest overcame a decent Ingrow 124-2 total.

Ingrow remain rooted at the bottom but their form continues to improve. Denholme slumped to 68-9 and could not prevent Bingley Congs from taking a fourth win of the campaign.

CartaSport Under-11 League team Settle had a narrow win over a game, young Hawks side to maintain their tenuous hold at the head of the pack.

Champions Oxenhope moved menacingly into third place with a 19-run victory over Skipton, despite losing seven wickets.

Earby won the meeting of sides without a win as Oakworth’s improved defence was let down by the bowlers and run-scoring.

The only unbeaten side are Steeton, who lurk in second place three points adrift of Settle. The young Wharfedale Rams took their third win in a row to join a four-team gaggle on 12 points.

Silsden Eagles kept up the pressure at the top, despite a modest 190-7 as they pressured the Wharfedale Stags to 170-12 in a match for the bowlers. Chip off the old block Ben Sugden took 4-6 as a major factor in the Silsden win.

Oxenhope slipped a little further adrift of Brook Taverner Under-13 League leaders Oakworth with a rarity this season – a rained-off match!

Oakworth’s defeat of Skipton, despite a retirement for emerging Jane Newell, now gives them a six-point margin over their local rivals.

Earby got into second gear defending a score of 76 to win over neighbours Pendle Forest, propelling them to fifth. place, while the Stags received the points from West End, who now slump into the relegation zone.

Second Division leaders Gargrave extended their unbeaten run to six league matches with a heavy defeat for Bolton Abbey, Joseph Metcalfe turning pace into wickets on the board. Settle too retained a 100 per cent record with a win at Bradley.

Embsay and Silsden lost ground and are joined by Steeton, who took the points from vastly-improved Cowling.

Bingley neighbours Cullingworth and Wilsden are also upwardly mobile as 11 teams struggle to keep pace with North Craven sides Gargrave and Settle.