STEETON'S slide continued in the Aire-Wharfe Division One with as they suffered a three-wicket defeat to Ilkley, who lifted themselves off the bottom of the table with only their second win.

Steeton lost both openers with just 15 on the board after being asked to bat first before Freddie Pearson (81) and Neil Spragg (43) revived their fortunes with a third-wicket stand of 120.

Although Jamie Freebury made a bright 22, Steeton declined from 135-3 to 181-8 in the space of six overs.

Jon Best helped Steeton’s tail to wag as he scored 24 runs from 15 deliveries with two sixes and two fours, but when he was run out Steeton had been bowled all out for 219 with Rob Spivey taking five wickets.

Steeton looked clear favourites to win when Ilkley lost their seventh wicket to the first ball of the 43rd over. They still needed 81 from 47 balls and they managed it with one ball to spare.

Spivey completed a great all-round performance with an unbeaten 81, while former Nottinghamshire player David Pennett hit 46 not out.

Harden are now only five points above the Division Two drop zone after Illingworth overhauled their 188 total with two wickets to spare despite the efforts of Isaac Murray (4-54) and Michael O’Flaherty (3-28).

Silsden remain rooted to the bottom of Division Three after a nine-wicket defeat by promotion-chasing Olicanian. Zabi Ullah (36) was the top scorer in a disappointing Silsden total of 117. Olicanian skipper Harry Smallwood took 3-7 with his off-spin.

Smallwood followed up with an unbeaten 54 as he and David Healey (34no) saw their side to victory.