Steeton's championship bid goes right down to the wire (From Craven Herald)

Steeton's championship bid goes right down to the wire

10:48am Thursday 8th September 2011 in Cricket

Unbeaten Steeton go into their final match of the season at Pool on Saturday still looking to clinch the Division Two title.

They need a win or a five-point winning draw to hold off Ben Rhydding who closed to within two points when they beat relegated Tong Park Esholt by nine wickets while Steeton were held to a draw by Harden.

Ben Rhydding’s final game is also away to mid-table opposition. They face North Leeds at Roundhay.

If the teams were to finish level on points Ben Rhydding would take the title by virtue of having more wins – they currently have 14 to Steeton’s 11.

Shane McNamara (73), John Akrigg (74) and Mark Taylor (55no) top scored as Steeton posted an impressive 251-6 against Harden.

Despite a middle-order collapse, Harden held on for two points at 194-8 with Richard Wear (41) and Jordan Mackenzie (62no) leading the way.

Upper Wharfedale’s place in Division Two is guaranteed for another season despite their match with North Leeds being abandoned with them 32-0 in reply to 265-8. Menston’s defeat by Calverley means they are relegated with Tong Park Esholt.

Skipton suffered a ten-wicket defeat against Illingworth in Division Three after being bowled out for a dismal 83. Graham Summersgill (29) and Kieran Williams (13) were the only batsmen to reach double figures as Luke Brooksby took 6-50.

Niall Lockley hit an unbeaten 66 as Illingworth took just 10.3 overs to wrap up victory.

Silsden also suffered defeat as they went down by two-wickets to third-placed Ilkley who are making a late bid for promotion.

Richard Harrison (5-32) and Andrew Wheeler (3-66) bowled out Silsden for 156 with Waqas Ahmed (67) and Craig Thornton (52) top scoring.

Fortunately for Ilkley they managed to gain some extra overs from Silsden and they proved crucial as they got home in the 55th over.

Jake Bezzant (56) and Wheeler (46) were the top scorers with Zarshad Khan (6-51) the pick of the bowlers.