GLUSBURN have put the pressure on Denholme before their Mewies Solicitors Craven League Division Two promotion battle at Park Field on Saturday.

With Denholme's home match against Bradley being the only one in the section to be abandoned, Glusburn moved to within three points of their rivals with a comprehensive victory at Airedale.

Steve Brown (4-19), Dominic Mortimer (3-17) and Mark Pickles (3-28) shared the wickets as Airedale were dismissed for 77, Glusburn replying with 78-0 as wicketkeeper Neil Freeman made 36 not out and James Tillotson 33 not out.

Denholme could well have taken a victory against Bradley after making 190-9, Adam Taylor scoring 49 and Joe Greenwood (32) as John Drake took 4-50.

Bradley were 61-2 after 26.4 overs in reply, needing 130 more off 18.2 overs when the heavens opened.

The battle to get into the top flight is made all the more intriguing as both Glusburn and Denholme have yet to face leaders Oakworth Seconds, who cannot be promoted, with Glusburn hosting them on September 5, while Denholme travel to Wide Lane the following Saturday – the last weekend of the season.

Denholme also have to entertain Cowling, who are currently fourth three points behind Glusburn, on September 5.

Cowling were the latest side to face Oakworth Seconds, who made 256-5, despite Ajmal Choudhry's 3-42, Cowling replying with 179, of which Martyn Dalby made 48, Ben Davy (33) and Mike Dudley (29) as they fell away having been 105-1.

Gargrave won only their fourth match of the season but remain bottom. Kevin Pollard carried his bat for 83 in Thornton-in-Craven's 180, Tony Spensley taking 7-51, while fellow opener Jonah Smith was 99 not out in Gargrave's 182-7 off 39.2 overs.

In Division One, Embsay pretty much made themselves safe with a 54-run victory at home to Barrowford, Scott Robinson taking 4-16 and Phil Binner 3-41 as the visitors were dismissed for 73.