STEETON faced the toughest test in the Aire-Wharfe League Premier Division on Saturday\u2014a visit to two-time defending champions and prospective 2026 champions Otley, writes Bill Marshall.<\/p>\n
The visitors won the toss and chose to bat, losing James Robinson and Luke Chapman before 50 was on the board.<\/p>\n
However, Ben Hemsley (52) and captain Louis Horsfield (32) put on 52 for the third wicket, though wickets then fell at regular intervals until the last pair came together.<\/p>\n
Archie Cox (27) and George Bell (14no) added 43 to take Steeton to 206, and they had early success after tea when Steve Pearson trapped George Huntley lbw.<\/p>\n
But that was where Steeton's joy ended, stands of 105 and 57 helping Otley to a six-wicket win in the 36th over.<\/p>\n
Steeton are still fourth ahead of a home game against seventh-placed Horsforth Hall Park on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Skipton, who are one place above the bottom two, had little joy at Horsforth, who, at eighth, are one place higher in Division Two.<\/p>\n
The home side won the toss and made 202-8, of which opener Matthew Cordingley scored 94, Shahid Nadeem taking 4-34 and Finlay Walker 2-52.<\/p>\n
Luke Lovell (32) apart, Skipton never really came to terms with the Horsforth attack, being bowled out for 128, although Izac (16) and keeper Rob Walker (20) did well late on.<\/p>\n
Skipton are at home to third-placed Old Leodiensians on Saturday.<\/p>\n