Impressive run leaves Shepley in contention

Second-placed Shepley, who finished third last season, are undefeated in the league since mid-May. They trail the leaders by seven points with nine games left but they made hard work of defeating sixth-placed Kirkburton by three wickets.

Needing just one run to win off the last over, they took their single with two balls remaining. Tim Rees was the hero with his second century of the season, but Andrew Smith (80) and Louis Aspeling (60 not out) could count themselves distinctly unfortunate to finish on the losing side.

While Shepley were involved in the drama at Riley Lane, Honley cruised to an eight-wicket victory over Elland at their Far End Lane home, thanks to an unbroken third-wicket partnership of 111 from Max Joice and Richard Jakeman and a 5-48 feat by leg-spinner Tom Craddock.

Third-placed Delph & Dobcross are a daunting 19 points behind Shepley and 26 adrift of Honley. Bilal Khiljee's half-century helped them to a four-wicket win at Barkisland for whom Simon Wheelwright also reached his 50. Barkisland's total of 163 was passed in the 29th over.

Reigning champions Scholes climbed above Hoylandswaine into fourth place with a convincing 151-run victory over their visitors, who suffered a first defeat in five games.

Joe Sayers made 74 for Hoylandswaine, but all-rounder Mohammad Shahnawaz took

5-36 and made an unbeaten 39 for the resurgent champions who have now won six league games in a row.

Broad Oak have struggled for most of the season and they lost by nine wickets at Marsden after being bowled out for a mere 95.

Steve Whitwam had a six-wicket haul in Golcar's win by just 10 runs against visitors and back-markers Holmfirth, while Slaithwaite won by two wickets against Skelmanthorpe despite losing six wickets to Qaiser Rashid. Thomas Graham landed five wickets for the winners.

With Kexborough's Frank Platt Championship game at Micklehurst switched to August 23, Shelley took advantage to open a six-point lead, defeating visitors Clayton West by seven wickets.