A NEATLY-timed run chase has elevated Skipton three places in Aire-Wharfe League Division Two.

They chose to field at Sandylands, and, for the second successive week, basement boys Rodley topped 200.

They made a season’s best 224-9, Shahid Naheem taking 3-56 and, slightly more economically, Finlay Walker 2-23 and Ishaan Kullar 2-28.

However, Skipton, none of whose batters failed to reach double figures, had stands all through their reply and won by six wickets with 16 balls to spare.

Nadeem (72) and keeper Joe Birks (23) put on 69 for the first wicket, and the former, who hit seven fours and two sixes, then added 58 for the third with skipper Gary Owens, who finished on 55 not out, including six fours.

Steeton, who aren’t as high up the Premier Division table as they would wish, lost a low-scoring encounter at Summerhill Lane against Saltaire.

The home side opted to bat, but could only make 124, which was a recovery from 40-5.

Craig Walton (34) put on 48 for the sixth wicket with skipper Steve Pearson (21) but, that apart, only James Robinson (10) made double figures.

Saltaire were sitting pretty at 78-2, but battling Steeton took a further six wickets before Saltaire got home, Paul Quinlan taking 4-42, Ewan Johnston 2-12 and James Mcdonald 2-35.

With six matches played, Steeton, who have lost their last two, are 10th, only eight points above a demotion berth.