A DAY when there were more ducks swimming in the outfield than run-less batsmen trudging back to the pavilion still managed to produce some big results and fine individual performances in the Aire-Wharfe League.

Only two Second Division matches produced definite results but what results, with Addingham knocking over promotion favourites Colton and bottom side Harden crushing Knaresborough.

Colton have been impressive, with only an opening game defeat by Ben Rhydding to spoil their record, but they could find no answer to Addingham’s Henry Barrow (5-32) and Rob Ellis (4-35) who dismissed them for just 73. Will Atkins (28no) clinched the win.

Harden had been four games without a win and were in danger of being cut adrift at the bottom but with Paul Quinlan (42) and Matthew Topham (44no) leading the way they set a solid 205 target.

That was the signal for Phil Leng (5-30) and Matthew Hogg (3-27) to get to work and they skittled out Knaresborough for just 68.

Thackley’s bowlers were relieved when the rain came to stop the torture being imposed on them by Skipton who were cruising at 227-1. Shahid Nadeem had made 62no and put on 220 with Pieter Coetzer, whose 129no came in 104 balls and included eight fours and 11 sixes.

Naveed Panesar took 5-63 and added a run-out as he slowed Follifoot’s run chase when they declared at 236-9. Panesar then hit 40 and with a quick-fire half century from Ben Waller, Calverley were closing on victory when the game had to halt.

Rain also denied Ben Rhydding what looked likely to be a full 20 points. Robbie Miller (100) and Red Bolton (48) starred in their 228 total and recent signing James Frost (4-11) had Illingworth struggling at 137-8 at the close.

Harrison Durkin’s half century was the highlight of leaders Guiseley’s 142 total but Adel were looking dangerous at 44-2 when the game was called off.

Nick Brook followed up last week’s six-wicket haul with 5-42 as Collingham were restricted to 142 and even though Burley lost four quick wickets, Richard Brook (59no) and Jason Wright (62no) steered the to a six-wicket win and up to fourth in Division One.

Ben Heritage (56) and Kuda Samunderu (54) top scored in Rawdon’s 233-5 which included a three-ball cameo from Andrew Doidge that included two fours and a six. Steeton’s innings was washed out at 9-0.

Pool also hardly took guard before the rain stopped their reply to Horsforth’s 225 in which Bryon Boshoff top scored with 79, while David Hester hit 57no for Otley at Ilkley, but with scant chance of bonus points, they lost their top spot to Beckwithshaw whose match at Kirkstall lasted a little longer.

There was no doubting that bowlers were on top in most of Division Three matches, especially at Menston where the home side were bowled out for 98. Sajeed Ijaz took 5-20 with Ed Broadley including a hat-trick in his 4-32. Olicanian’s reply was cut short at 34-0.

Mahir Ali included two wickets in three balls in his 6-34 as Upper Wharfedale were dismissed for 206 and with Ajanthe Weerapuli (38no) and Nick Flood (33no) going strong, Tong Park Esholt looked set for victory at 77-1 when the rain came.

But the bowlers were made to toil at Silsden where Chris Meehan (64) and Shaun Brentnall (74no) starred in the home side’s 225-7 before Michael Richmond and Matthew Dinsdale hit half centuries in New Rover’s reply in another game robbed of a decisive result, as were Bolton Villas against Bardsey, Green Lane against Leeds Modernians and Hall Park versus Alwoodley.