BRADLEY have avoided relegation from the Mewies Solicitors Craven League Second Division on a dramatic final rain-hit day.

The home side, who could have been overtaken by Long Lee, made 131-9 off 25 overs in a rain-reduced match at home to promotion-chasing Glusburn.

Skipper Caspar Bean led the way with 45, with Matt Buckmaster chipping in with 26 and James Robinson 24 as Nick Williamson took 5-48.

Glusburn, who were hoping to overtake Cowling to go into the First Division replied with 130-9, leaving Bradley as winners by a run.

Williamson finished with 31, Bean also completing a fine day all round for Bradley with 6-42.

Bradley's narrow victory meant that Long Lee's result at home to already-relegated Gargrave was irrelevant.

However, the bottom club won anyway, making 169, skipper John Beckwith hitting an unbeaten 54, and being backed up by Ben Wood (30), Joe Metcalfe (26), Tony Spensley (23) and Jonah Smith (21).

Long Lee were then bowled out for 130, Stuart Weatherill taking 3-32.

Glusburn's defeat meant that they dropped to fourth, with Cowling, whose game at home to Airedale was washed out, finishing third to also be promoted with Denholme, the latter defeating leaders Oakworth Seconds, who cannot be promoted.

Denholme won by six wickets at Wide Lane, Oakworth making 115-9 off 24.1 overs, Denholme replying with 118-4 off 24.2 overs.

Long Lee and Gargrave are demoted.

Embsay were the highest placed area club in the First Division, finishing sixth, with Sutton tenth, Chatburn and Barrowford being relegated.

Crossflatts won at Chatburn in the only match played in the top flight, rattling up 234-2 off their 30 overs, with Joshua Kazar hitting an unbeaten 118, Dominic Bennett 62 and Jim O'Hara 44 before dismissing the Ribble Valley club for 133, using ten bowlers.

Barrowford have also taken the drop in the Third Division, while second-from-bottom Haworth West End have resigned, Haworth Road Meths and Ingrow St John's being promoted.

There was a late twist in the Fourth Division, with Bingley Congs, whose match at bottom club Gargrave was conceded, pinching the second promotion spot from Hepworth & Idle, whose match at Wilsden was rained off.

Champions Crossflatts made short work of Oakworth Thirds in the only match that was played in the section.

There was no play at all in the Fifth Division, which means that Sutton and Sandy Lane finished in the top two, pipping Cowling and Bradley.