THE scorching weather certainly seems to have had an impact on the pitch at King George’s Field.

Such was the manner of Rawdon’s victory there against Horsforth, the winning margin of 287 runs was a higher score than any other Division One side managed in total.

Batting first, the visitors helped themselves to a mammoth 435-6 thanks to George Myers – who scored his side’s highest ever individual score with an outstanding 187 from just 90 deliveries – wicketkeeper-batsman James Dobson (107), and Ben Morley (81).

Opener Matthew Cordingley (45) batted well for the hosts, but his side were undone by Andrew Doidge (6-33) and could only muster a below par 148 in reply.

Rawdon remain third, but close the gap to second-placed Bilton, who lost at home to leaders Saltaire by 43 runs.

Jibrael Malik (46) was backed up by Sajad Ali (39) and Mussawar Shah (37) to see the visitors make 198, with Awais Ejaz (5-44) starring with the ball, ably assisted by Callum Cardwell who took two catches to help him claim a hat-trick of wickets.

Mutashan Ali Shah (5-46) had his hand in a flurry of late wickets for Saltaire as Bilton batted out their overs, but they were left with too much to do despite a fightback led by Tuseif Arshad (36 not out) and skipper David Cummings (35).

Olicanian moved out of the relegation zone at the expense of Ilkley after a three-wicket win at North Leeds.

Captain Taran Chana (106) and Harry Kellaway (71) put the hosts in a commanding position on 257-6, and though Aftab Karim (4-74) and Kshitij Kapote (2-3) impressed, Tom (78) and Harry Smallwood (59) helped Olicanian chase down their target with four overs to spare.

Ilkley’s dismal season continued at home to Otley, with Alex Bailey (38) one of just five batters to make double figures for the hosts as James Davies, Damon Reeve and Oliver Halliday took two wickets apiece.

The visitors made hard work of their run chase, reaching their target of 134 midway through the 43rd over, with Sam Kellett finishing on 38 not out and Halliday 28.

Elsewhere, skipper Redmond Bolton (97) saw Burley reach 210 at home to Beckwithshaw, with Harry Lister taking a fantastic 6-23, but fifties from Ben Holderness and Peter and Oliver Hotchkiss saw the visitors over the line by seven wickets.

Collingham & Linton were also victorious at home to Addingham, with Jack McGahan (67no) scoring the winning runs after Will Atkins (80) had earlier helped the visitors reach 182-8.

Division Two leaders New Rover picked up the maximum 20 points with a narrow 21-run win at Steeton.

Batting first, the visitors made 240-7, with Fahid Rehman (56) and captain Michael Richmond (46) adding the runs, and though Chris Wademan (71) and Matthew Nutter (50) batted strongly in Steeton’s reply, Aqsad Ali (4-31) and Jonathan Postle (3-46) ensured they fell just short of their target.

Green Lane move up to second after beating fellow promotion hopefuls Pool by 22 runs.