EMBSAY, who were behind the eight ball as far as play on the field was concerned, lost a bowl-out to Oakworth as rain hit the Mewies Solicitors Craven League's Cowling Cup final at Denholme on Sunday.

The Skipton side won the toss and, not surprisingly given the rain on Friday and Saturday, chose to bowl, reducing Oakworth to 21-3.

However, the Division Two leaders side were revived by 30 from Jack Ellis, man of the match Robert Hollingsworth then holding the innings together with 59 before being last man out at 133.

Ben Fothergill (12) was the only other player into double figures as the ball was generally on top, Simon Holt taking 4-40, Stephen Speak 3-40 and Samuel Arkwright 2-28.

Embsay, who are in the lower half of Division Three, struggled even more after tea, collapsing to 21-4 and, even though Brian Hodgson (11), Neville Allan (12) and Speak (15no) all reached double figures, they were 49-6 after 24.2 overs when rain stopped play.

Ellis completed a fine all-round day with 3-26, and was then the only man to hit the stumps in the bowl-out – with the first ball – in what were difficult conditions.

Embsay were striving for a 17th Cowling Cup triumph, while this was Oakworth's third success, but, surprisingly, their first since 2008.