SKIPTON skipper Richard Nichols struck a sparkling century to inspire his side to a comfortable 57-run win over Tong Park Esholt at gale-lashed Sandylands.

The man who topped the Division Two batting averages last season gave another exhibition of his abilities with an unbeaten 130.

His innings contained a six and 20 fours and ensured that his side posted a score of 251-7 despite the efforts of Tong Park's experienced bowlers Nadeem Hussain (3-43) and Mick Scott (3-46).

Fifty-eight-year-old Scott, who spent nine years at Skipton in the nineties, was given the tough task of bowling 15 overs into the wind and used all his guile to gain his wickets.

Tong Park Esholt suffered an early setback when their skipper Ross Todd was dismissed by Iqbal Khan in the first over of their reply.

Fellow opener Danny Groom made an unusual start to his innings, playing out six maidens on the trot from Shahid Nadeem before starting to open out.

He hit three sixes and 11 fours in his 72 but the rest of his side's batsmen were unable to make an impact as they were bowled out for 194. Khan continued his fine start to the season with 5-41, while spinner Andrew Fergie took 4-66.

Steeton returned to winning ways in Division One.

They defeated a Follifoot side still reeling from having all their points wiped out for playing an ineligible player, by six wickets.

Follifoot won the toss and decided to bat but they were soon in trouble at 28-3. Joe Stead (2-27) and Steve Pearson (1-28) posed the early problems.

Neil Spragg added a fourth wicket before James Freebury produced a devastating spell of 6-39 in 11.4 overs as Follifoot crumbled to 124 all out.

An 83-run opening partnership between Freddie Pearson (38) and Andrew Foulds (30) set Steeton on their way to their target.

Pearson's runs came from 57 deliveries with seven boundaries and Foulds made his 30 from 62 balls with four boundaries. Neil Spragg chipped in with 12 runs and Chris Baines with 13not out as Steeton passed the meagre Follifoot target with 31 overs to spare to secure 16 points.

With former Leeds United and England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn hitting 69no to steer Old Modernians to victory over Division Three leaders New Rover, the way was open for Addingham to make up some ground.

But Addingham let the chance slip. Chasing Alwoodley’s 194, they quickly slumped to 23-4 and even though the middle order steadied things, Addingham still went down by 14 runs.

Upper Wharfedale and Silsden continue to struggle and occupy the bottom two positions. North Ribblesdale went down to an eight-wicket defeat against Bolton Villas while Menston beat Silsden by seven wickets.

Opener James Raper (41) and Jake Starkey (32) were the top scorers as Upper Wharfedale were dismissed for 148, Junaid Bashir (7-38) and Sam Lawrence (3-44) did the damage.

Luke Stockhill (63no) and David Bayne (67no) steered Bolton Woods to their victory target.

Silsden's batting crumbled again as they were bowled out for just 56 at home to Menston with Ashley Close taking (6-28) and Charlie Parker (4-36).

Parker rubbed salt into Silsden's wounds by making an unbeaten 42 as Menston won in 9.1 overs.