TOM Stead put in one of the best performances in the Aire-Wharfe League on Saturday when he came up 20 runs shy of a double century in Steeton's win against Kirkstall Educational.

Stead smashed 23 fours and seven sixes on his way to a score of 180 off 132 balls.

Even more remarkable was a brilliant sixth-wicket stand that he shared with Stephen Pearson (94).

The two batsman came to the crease with Steeton struggling on 33-5. The pair then put on a partnership of 305 until Kirkstall opener Thomas Herman (6-53) finally got both men out in the final over, as Steeton's innings closed on 341-7.

Kirkstall batted well in reply, with Lalit Mangalarapu top-scoring with 85, but they were bowled out for 263. Adam Hardwick (4-78) was the pick of the Steeton bowlers.

In Division One, balanced bowling and batting saw Addingham notch up an impressive 133-run win against Pool-in-Wharfedale.

James Freebury's 41 led an Addingham side which featured four players who scored 30 or more runs. Addingham scored 220, as Adam Slater (3-37) and Matthew (3-51) were the pick of the Pool bowlers.

Edward Croft (3-14), Ted Haggas (3-21) and Richard Atkins (3-22) were all in the wickets as Addingham bowled Pool out for 87.

In Division Three, Skipton lost by 126 runs at home to North Leeds.

North Leeds captain James Burnett was in fine form with the bat, hitting 10 fours and scoring 90 off 109 balls before being stumped by keeper Rob Walker in the final over, as North Leeds finished their innings on 254-4. Captain Gary Owens took 3-81 for Skipton.

In reply, Skipton could only manage to score 128 all out, as Lewis Gardner and Uzayr Parker top-scored with 21 runs each.

* In the Niddersdale and District Amateur League, Division Four leaders Upper Wharfedale beat Alne by 110 runs on Saturday.

Upper Wharfedale won the toss and elected to bat first, and a magnificent second-wicket partnership between Fred Fox (91) and James Raper (82) helped the visitors reach a total of 257-9.

A brilliant spell by Upper Wharfedale opening bowler Matt Daggett (4-26) saw him bowl out Alne's top four batsman, who scored a total of three runs between them.

Captain Chris Beaumont's knock of 73 restored some respectability to Alne's innings, but they were bowled out for 147 in the 29th over.