KEIGHLEY Cricket Club are just two points above the relegation zone in Division Two of the Gordon Rigg Bradford Premier League, after suffering a poor 22-run defeat at rock-bottom Heckmondwike & Carlinghow on Saturday.

Defeat was cruel on skipper Simon Bailey, who took four wickets and scored an unbeaten half-century, but he did not receive enough support from his team-mates.

That charge cannot be levelled at Daanyaal Ahmed though, as he and Bailey spun in tandem beautifully when Heckmondwike batted first, having been inserted by their visitors.

The pair of them took charge after the home side had reached a healthy 88-1, Bailey taking 4-55 and Ahmed claiming 5-25 to dismiss the opposition for 178.

Keighley made a mess of their reply, and were on their way to a heavy defeat at 86-8, before Bailey found a willing partner in opening bowler Dillon Birkett.

The pair put on 65 for the ninth wicket to drag the visitors back into the contest, but Birkett was out stumped for 16 with 28 still needed for victory.

And Keighley only added another five runs before No.11 Ahmed was dismissed, leaving Bailey stranded on 55 not out.

Heckmondwike are now within reach of safety, while second-bottom Hopton Mills are just two points behind struggling Keighley.