CHAMPIONS Otley have pulled level with early pacesetters Beckwithshaw at the top of Division.

They collected a maximum 20 points for their 84-run triumph against Ilkley while Beckwithshaw gained 18 for theirfive-wicket win over Rawdon.

Half centuries from David Hester (65), James Davies (63) and Josh Atkinson (52) helped Otley to post a challenging score of 257-7.

Ilkley made a bright start to their reply with openers Rory Kroon (65) and Will Spivey (47) sharing a partnership of 111. The remaining Ilkley batsmen faltered against the bowling of George Huntley (4-35) and Davies (4-65) as they were bowled out for 173.

Rawdon recovered from a shaky start with Andrew Duckworth (48) and Ben Heritage (32) stabilising their innings at Beckwithshaw with a third-wicket stand of 83.

Andrew Doidge was 40 not out when the Rawdon innings closed at 205-9. Half centuries from Yasir Ali (64), Alex Lilley (51no) and John Inglis (50) guided Beckwithshaw to victory.

Skipper Richard Nichols powered Skipton to victory over Tong Park Esholt to move into the Division Two top four.

He stroked 20 fours in his unbeaten 130 as his side cruised to 251-7.

Danny Groom (72) led the chase but after he was out, wickets tumbled regularly to Iqbal Khan (5-41) and Andrew Fergie (4-66) and the visitors were bowled out for 194.

Nichols' score wasn't the highest of the day. It was surpassed by Pool's former Yorkshire player Tosh Baker who made an unbeaten 143 as his side beat Illingworth by 140 runs. His innings contained a six and 25 fours and dominated the Pool total of 225. Illingworth were dismissed for 85 with David Amos taking 5-40.

Extra bonus points for Colton in their win over Knaresborough saw them take over top spot from Horsforth who made hard work of beating Ben Rhydding by one wicket.

Matthew Wainwright looked to have given them an easy task with a 7-29 spell that included two wickets in consecutive balls with the score at 59 and then three in six balls on 106.

Ben Rhydding’s 129 total, however, proved far from easy with Charlie Swallow (5-74) and Alex Miller (3-30) chipping away after Leon Harber (44) was dismissed. The eighth and ninth wickets went down with Horsforth still needing two to win and it was with some relief they crossed the finishing line.

Waleed Akhtar’s second century of the season was the highlight of Green Lane’s win at Adel that moves them closer to safety after their massive points deduction.

With former Leeds United and England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn hitting 69no to steer Old Modernians to victory over Division Three leaders New Rover, the way was open for Addingham and Olicanian to make up some ground.

Olicanian took full advantage at Bardsey, Jamie Hudson (65) and Sajeed Ijaz (49no) leading the way in their 235-7. Bernard Hughes (4-54) and Harry Smallwood, who followed up his 35 with 4-36, then dismissed the home side for 175 to claim full points and move to within four of the leaders.

But Addingham let the chance slip. Chasing Alwoodley’s 194, they quickly slumped to 23-4 and even though the middle order steadied things, Addingham still went down by 14 runs.

Jonathan Postle (5-34) was the main architect as Calverley were dismissed for 114 putting Hall Park on the way to a victory.

Charlie Parker (4-26) and Ashley Close (6-28) skittled out Silsden for 56. Parker then scored 42no as Menston won by seven wickets in 9.1 overs.