Oxenhope remain anchored at the bottom of the Upper Airedale Junior League's Pro Coach Academy Under-15 League after a 69-run defeat at Skipton, who made a sterling 154-4.

Josh Mullinder rattled 37 and Izaak Beck another 34 in the high score.

For Oxenhope, their promotion last year must seem a distant memory as they struggled to 85 all out in the wake of excellent bowling from the 2009 champions.

Leaders Oakworth took another huge step towards a first ever under-15 championship with 117-4 at Settle.

There was a captain’s knock from Jack Davison of 37, and 31 more from Ben Fothergill.

A steadfast opening stand from Grafton and Walker was eventually snuffed out and the Settle innings fell away to 97-7 after a late burst from James Lee (3-10).

Stags, nearest challengers to Oakworth, nipped down to Sutton and a poor start was rectified by Jack Kitch-ing’s 37.

Chasing 113-4, the Sutton batsmen were soon in trouble and only Umar Hussain (31) posed any obstacle in an 85-7 reply.

Two teams chasing the leaders hard, Haworth West End and Bradley, met at Penistone Hill.

West End scored 96-3. Jack Middleton (36) and Josh Holt (31) led the innings but also found the Bradley batsmen in resilient mood. Bradley took the points with 99-3 with nine balls in hand.

Wharfedale Rams had Denholme chasing their excellent 103-6.

They did, though, have a disastrous start but No 6 and new Yorkshire recruit Callum Lockett (33) led the fightback.

Similarly solid batting from the Denholme top order was superbly well-timed and they took the points back to the hills with 104-5 after 19.3 overs.

Earby’s stay in Division Two has been longer than many expected and their display at home to Steeton didn’t give rise to optimism it might soon be at an end.

A total of 79-2 was disappointing, with only Jake Hargreaves’ 30 being a joy.

Steeton won with 81-3 in 18.3 overs to remain on the fringe of the promotion race.

Promotion leaders Glusburn were in mean mood at Ingrow, scoring the third highest ever total in the Pro Coach Academy League.

Their 198-2 was achieved with 37 from run-machine Chris Wademan, 36 for Daniel Ridehalgh and 35 for Jack Baker.

The dispirited Ingrow lads posted just 43-8 in reply as stumper-turned bowler Sam Warriner took 3-1.

With five matches remaining, Oakworth hold a six-point lead over the Stags, and their average of 127 runs per match suggests it will take a superb performance to upset the Oaks’ march.

Oxenhope, Gargrave and Settle seem set to battle it out to stay in the top division.

Both Glusburn and Denholme have not fully shaken off the chasers yet but both look strong favourites, although Bradley and Pendle Forest will push to the end.

Next Wednesday, Denholme host Bradley and Glusburn entertain Pendle, after which the picture may become clearer.