Batting collapse so costly as Skipton slide to defeat (From Craven Herald)

Batting collapse so costly as Skipton slide to defeat

12:18pm Thursday 1st September 2011 in Craven League

Skipton’s revival stalled on Saturday when they suffered a 27-run defeat against Horsforth at Sandylands.

They looked on course for victory when opener Kieran Williams (44) and Keir Nelson (27) helped them reach 120-3 in reply to the visitors’ score of 183, but a dramatic batting collapse cost them dear.

The last seven wickets fell for just 36 runs as they were dismissed for 156 with Matthew Bates taking 5-42 and Adam Mabb (3-45).

Andrew Fergie had earlier taken 5-52 in the Horsforth innings and was supported by Gary Owens (3-36).

Upper Wharfedale all but banished their relegation fears in Division Two with a three-wicket win over bottom team Tong Park Esholt.

Stephen Pearson took 6-55 as Tong Park Esholt were bowled out for 125, then Andrew Foulds hit an unbeaten 70 as they eased to victory.

Rain and a win for rivals Ben Rhydding mean Steeton still have plenty of work to do to secure the Division Two crown.

While the Summerhill Laners could only pick up a point at Knaresborough as the weather intervened, Ben Rhydding beat Calverley by 96 runs to clinch their second successive promotion and close the gap between themselves and the leaders to four points with two games to play.

Steeton host Harden and Ben Rhydding entertain struggling Tong Park-Esholt on Saturday, with visits to Pool and North Leeds respectively on the final day.

On a frustrating day last weekend, Knaresborough had scored 168-7 when the heavens opened with nine balls of their innings left. Tea was taken early but soon there were standing water on the wicket ends.

Jon Best was the pick of the bowlers with 3-69 from 18.3 overs to take his tally to 56 wickets for the season.

Ross Suri continued his great form in collecting 2-29. He bowled both his victims, meaning his last ten wickets have come in that fashion. Knaresborough declared when the rain stopped but Steeton could only manage 44-1 before it started again.