SKIPTON opener Richard Nichols hit a sparkling century as his side put a dent in Green Lane’s Division Two promotion hopes.

The home team were full of confidence when they batted first and made 251-7 with Michael Abbott making 71 and Waleed Akhtar (58).

But Skipton, whose best bowler was Shahid Nadeem (4-48), weren’t daunted by the challenge.

Openers Nichols and Ben Holderness totally dominated the home attack as they compiled a stunning first-wicket stand of 225 which paved the way for a seven-wicket win.

Nichols showed all of his experience as he made 142. His innings contained 27 fours and he was well supported by Holderness.

There was a six and 13 fours in Holderness’ knock of 85 as Skipton reached their target with 5.4 overs to spare.

Upper Wharfedale suffered a 46-run defeat in a high-scoring game at Tong Park/Esholt.

The home side piled up 296-7 with their skipper Ross Todd (61), Andrew Bourne (44) and Saqib Mir (41) leading the way.

Jamie Freebury proved to be the most successful bowler with 3-58.

Upper Wharfedale made 250 in reply with late order batsman Jake Parkinson hitting an unbeaten 52.

John Stephenson made 49 and opener Isaac Beck (41), but the pressure of chasing such a big target led to wickets falling as Nadeem Hanif took 4-47.

Steeton gave visitors Burley’s Division One title hopes a significant knock.

Teenage opener Matt Price, in only his second first-team match, gave the hosts’ innings stability with 62 from 116 balls, including eight boundaries.

He shared partnerships of 46 with Jonny Stander (26) and 76 with David Robinson (38) for the first two wickets, and their 259-8 was given impetus by Mark Taylor, who made 55 off just 42 balls, hitting two sixes and seven fours.

Burley were 143-3 at halfway in reply and looked favourites but they were dismissed for 216 in 43.1 overs, with Stephen Pearson taking 5-36 from 13.1 overs and Best 4-73 from 14 overs.

Taylor (two skiers at long off) and gully Stander (a smart catch and a stunning second) grabbed the fielding honours as Steeton climbed two places up to sixth.

Majid Inayat (45) and Muhammad Waqas (45) were the main contributors to Silsden’s 157 but Bardsey overhauled them with four wickets in hand.

Addingham produced the performance of the day in Division Three, Calvin Hewitt (86) starring as they beat second-placed Illingworth by ten runs.