PROMOTION and championship issues are often decided on fine margins and if Skipton go on to win the Aire-Wharfe Division Two title they may well look back on Saturday's five-wicket win at Tong Park Esholt as being a pivotal moment.

Kevin Owens’ winning boundary had hardly crossed the ropes when a storm broke and sent the players scurrying for shelter.

A few minutes earlier and Skipton would have missed out on the ten points for the win and had to settle for three for an abandoned match. That would have left them level on points with second-placed Horsforth who beat Ben Rhydding by 128 runs.

Skipton’s timely boost to their Division Two title hopes at the expense of Tong Park Esholt was largely thanks to a 102-run fourth-wicket stand between skipper Richard Nichols (88) and Kevin Owens (54no).

They ensured that their side chased down a Tong Park Esholt total of 186-9 to pick up 17 points so that they hold a seven-point lead over Horsforth.

Iqbal Khan, Gary Owens and Shahid Nadeem all took two wickets for Skipton as Tong Park Esholt were prevented from capitalising on opener Ajatha Weerapulli's 47.

Skipton have two of their remaining three fixtures at home. They are home to Illingworth on Saturday, away to Thackley on September and home to third-placed Pool in what could be an important clash on September 12.

Steeton ended their depressing run of results in Division One with a three-wicket win which pushed rivals Follifoot to the bottom of the table.

Jonathan Best, playing in his last home game for the club, was in devastating form and took 7-44 while James Emmett (3-64) helped dismiss Follifoot for 156.

Best followed up with an unbeaten 29 when Steeton secured the win which eases their relegation fears.

Addingham retained the leadership of Division Three with a five-wicket win over Alwoodley.

Ricky Palacio (53 & 4-20) and Nathan Harford (52 & 3-27) starred as Addingham passed Alwodley’s 154.

Silsden's winless run continued as they suffered a 130-run defeat against Menston.

Charlie Parker (40) was top scorer in Menston’s 190, with Matthew Shuttleworth taking 4-55.

But Silsden’s miserable run continued, Ashley Close (7-23) and Parker (3-35) sent them crashing out for 60.

David Bayne picked up 5-28 as Upper Wharfedale were dismissed for 124, setting up a five wicket win for Bolton Villas.