Arshad Latif scored a stunning century as Skipton took another step towards winning promotion from Division Three.

Latif went for his shots from the start as he hit 137 to power his side to an impressive eight-wicket win over Olicanian at Sandylands.

The opener dominated Skipton’s reply to an Olicanian total of 212-8.

Even Richard Nichols (28no) was overshadowed during a second-wicket stand of 118.

Such was Latif’s rate of scoring that Skipton reached their target in 33.4 overs.

The Olicanian innings featured two key contributions. Opener Chris Wheeler made 70 and Harry Benbow (42).

Paceman Faisal Hussain was the most-successful Skipton bowler with 3-62, while that man Latif returned economical figures of 1-17 on eight overs.

The win extends Skipton’s lead to eight points over second-placed Upper Wharfedale who suffered a three-wicket defeat in their clash with promotion rivals Horsforth.

Upper Wharfedale were made to pay for failing to post a big enough total when they batted first at Brownberrie Lane.

Josh Starkey’s 33 was the main contribution to a total of 164.

Horsforth appeared to be cruising to a crushing victory when openers Mark Gilliver (72) and Josh Starkey (33) shared a stand of 125.

But Australian Bobby Wilson triggered a dramatic collapse with a spell of 4-9 which left the home side happy to squeeze home with seven wickets down.

The result means that Horsforth are now just one point behind Upper Wharfedale who will be looking to return to winning ways when they entertain Horsforth’s neighbours Hall Park at Wood Lane on Saturday.

Silsden remain rooted to the bottom aftera disappointing sven-wicket defeat by Menston.

They lost their way after a second-wicket partnership 104 between Simon Cox (65) and Mohammed Imran (44) and a final total of 187 was disappointing after such a good start.

Their batting crumbled against the bowling of Gareth Lee (7-47).

Even though heavy rain restricted the number of overs available to them, Dean Harvey (85) clinched the win for Menston as they romped home with seven wickets to spare in 26.3 overs.

Steeton beat Follifoot by six wickets in Division One to ease their relegation fears. They cruised past the visitors’ total of 220 all out, making 223-4 in 45 overs.

Follifoot looked capable of scoring 250-plus runs but fine late spells by Jon Best (6-59) and Stephen Pearson (3-52) saw them well short of that.

Steeton’s batting on a good pitch was excellent as John Akrigg top-scored with an unbeaten 57.

Australian Ben Hillard got them off to a great start with 42 and, when an injection of runs was required, Mark Taylor scored a quick-fire 38. The victory put them 18 points above the drop zone.