Skipton need just four more points from their final three games to clinch promotion from Aire-Wharfe League Division Three after thrashing Hall Park.

Faisal Hussain (4-24), Richard Nichols (3-30) and Andrew Fergie (3-9) bowled out Park for 79, with Arshad Latif (49no) securing all six points for Skipton.

Despite the awful weather forecast, Skipton’s prayers were answered as the rain cleared to set the scene for a resounding home victory.

Winning the toss, Skipton were soon in trouble after the visitors got off to a fast start with 20 runs on the board after just three overs.

The impetus quickly changed, however, after a breakthrough from Nichols, bowling Peter Kempton.

Hussain then continued to swing the game as Hall Park slumped to 23-3.

Wickets continued to fall, with the visitors 57-8, and Skipton were keen to wrap up the innings with the prospect of rain threatening their title ambitions.

The introduction of Fergie helped bring the Hall Park innings to a close.

Skipper Graham Summersgill strode out to the the wicket alongside Latif with the intent of securing an early victory.

And it was mission accomplished as the game was all over by 4.30pm, with Skipton bagging the points.

Putting on 60 for the first wicket, Summersgill was first to go on 20, and Hall Park picked up another consolation wicket when Nichols went for six with just a handful of runs required.

Victory was secured when Latif smacked his second six, therefore tightening Skipton’s grip at the top.

Upper Wharfedale remain second after beating Addingham by 123 runs, with Horsforth one point further back.

Tom Baines mopped up the tail on his way to 5-23 as Addingham were dismissed for 102, Bobby Wilson (58), Jamie Freebury (42), Jake Schindler (35) and No 11 Baines (29no) having earlier made the main contributions to Wharfedale’s 225.

Silsden’s need to apply for re-election was confirmed when New Rover dismissed them for 93 on the way to an eight-wicket win in 15.3 overs.