HOLDERS Oakworth II have gone out of the Mewies Solicitors Craven League's Cowling Cup in dramatic fashion.

Hosts Denholme II made 143-3, with Michael Dennison hitting 76 and Joe Greenwood 37.

Then, despite Drew Duffy scoring 53 and James Lee 48, the reply fell four runs short as Jack Harrison took 3-22 off his allotted four overs.

Embsay II, last season's runners-up, are also out if what has become a Twenty20 competition up to the final, when it reverts to 40 overs per side.

They went down 64 runs at Haworth Road II after the Baildon Bottom side posted the day’s highest score of 195-3, adding 117 in the last ten overs.

Waj Mahmood hit 12 fours and two sixes in his splendid knock of 95 not out, while Rob Greenwood smashed a 29-ball 65, which contained seven fours and four sixes.

The visitors were 73-3 at halfway but they ran out of steam and closed on 131-7, with Stephen Speak scoring 39 not out.

Foulridge II were the next highest scorers with 182-3 at home to Sutton II, who replied with 114-7.

Two of the league’s evergreens performed well for Glusburn II as they beat Chatburn by five wickets at Park Field.

Bryan Hollis (3-23) and Rummy Smith (3-29) helped to put the Ribble Valley side back in the hut for 92.

In the successful reply, Richard Parkin scored 31 as Matt Lancaster took 2-7 in his four overs.

Tony Teale made 71 not out as Bingley Congs II chased down Hepworth & Idle II's 131-5 to win by three wickets with a ball to spare.

Sandy Lane II saw off Barrowford II by 38 runs at Greenwood Park, while Ingrow II held off Bradley II by 27 runs at Hainworth.

Cononley II posted 132-6 at Sandylands, with Jake Parker making 32 and Peter Hatton 26 not out.

Skipton CI II managed 121-6 in reply, with Sean Williamson making 40 as Mark Pickles took 3-9.

Early indications are that the new format is going to be enjoyed by some and hated by others.

Four teams – Bingley Congs III, Crossflatts II Gargrave II and Riddlesden II – all withdrew without a ball being bowled in anger.

This is a sad state of affairs that needs addressing before next season.