RICHARD Nichols produced a chanceless, unbeaten century that helped ensure Skipton survived to fight another year in Division Two.

But Upper Wharfedale lost their final game to Colton by 40 runs and will return to Division Three after just one season.

Nichols smashed 21 boundaries in making 151 in 131 balls to take his tally in all competitions past 800.

Once again the former Barnoldswick captain proved himself to be one of the best opening batsmen in the competition.

Knaresborough’s experienced captain Jonathan Corcoran said; “It was one of the finest innings I’ve seen in the Aire Wharfe. His team needed it and he stepped up and delivered.’ Having already picked up three bowling bonus points in Knaresborough’s 304-7, Skipton had to pass 200 to pick up the batting points they needed to be sure of staying up.

Nichols with the help of Ben Holderness (41) and Shahid Nadeem (36no) made sure they got them.

Nichols shared a second-wicket stand of 125 with Holderness which was largely responsible for helping Skipton to make 251-4. They were beaten by 73 runs but their priority of achieving safety was achieved.

Upper Wharfedale found themselves chasing 230 to beat Colton. Despite a brave effort, they were dismissed for 189.

Harden also needed seven points to be sure of safety but despite an eighth-wicket stand of 85 between Paul Quinlan (46) and Lee Spragg(40) could only manage five against already promoted Follifoot and had to sweat until they heard that Upper Wharfedale had lost to Colton and so would be relegated.

A half century from Jonathan Best helped seventh-placed Steeton overhaul Guiseley’s 225 to finish their Division One programme on a high note.

That was tough on Nasir Jamal who followed up his 55 runs with a 5-34 spell.

Majid Inyat was another all-rounder in form hitting 88 and taking 4-35 as Silsden beat Addingham in Division Three.

Addingham’s opener Ricky Palacio was eighth man out with 85 of their 149. Addingham finished the season fifth with Silsden, seventh