Upper Wharfedale drop deeper into trouble (From Craven Herald)

Upper Wharfedale drop deeper into trouble

11:17pm Friday 17th August 2012 in Sport

Upper Wharfedale dropped back into the Division Two relegation positions after a disastrous home performance against Knaresborough.

Their fragile batting was exposed as they crashed to a nine-wicket defeat.

James Wilcock (33) and Andy Foulds (32) looked to have given the innings some stability, but from 95-4, Upper Wharfedale crumbled to 120 all out.

Knaresborough knocked off the runs in 28.3 overs.

Skipton are continuing to struggle in Division Three. They suffered a seven-wicket defeat against promotion-chasing Menston.

Opener Steve Carling top scored with 69 as Skipton made 205-8. Keir Nelson (33) and Gary Owens (29) also added useful runs.

Menston made light of the target set by Skipton as they romped to a seven-wicket win.

Openers Gareth Lee (94) and Nick Thornton (70) shared a first-wicket stand of 181.

The irrepressible Majid Inayat was again in sparkling form for Silsden .

He hit 113 of Silsden’s 198-9 but his side only picked up a point against New Rover (299-2).

Steeton ’s impressive early-season challenge continues to falter, bowled out for 111 in reply to Bilton’s 212 and slipping back to fourth place.

Neil Spragg top scored for 29 on a disappointing afternoon for Steeton who lost their last six wickets for just 19 runs as Will Liddle took 5-21 for Bilton.

There was also bitter disappointment for Steeton’s second team in Sunday’s Birtwhistle Cup final when they crashed to defeat.

They batted first and were bowled out for just 98.

Only Adam Hardwick (25) opener Mike Wilson (22) and Zac Pearson (20) threatened the domination of the Guiseley bowlers.

David Whittaker (3-14) and Adam Perring (3-35) did the damage for the youthful Guiseley side.

Steeton needed early wickets if they were to turn the final into a real contest.

Paul Hardwick removed Whittaker (12), but then Jack Mackie (38no) and Michael Ibbetson (32no) steered Guiseley home to an eight-wicket victory in a match that was played at Calverley.