BATTING was difficult in the ENCO Halifax League on Saturday, Oxenhope proving that to be the case as their Premier Division title hopes faded.

On their first visit to Hullen Edge, they asked Warley & Elland to bat - a decision that brought dividends as the hosts struggled to 122-9 in their 45 overs.

The struggle was replicated, however, when Oxenhope batted and they slipped to 111 all out.

In the Second Division, Oakworth leapt up to second after leading pair Sowerby St Peter’s and Mount both lost.

It was a stroll for them as they faced visiting Outlane, who were grateful for the contributions of Andy Stokes (40) and Calum Westwood (37), but still finished below-par on 126.

Rain played a part in the hosts’ reply as they were set a revised target of 96 from 29 overs.

They had no difficulty in achieving that, as Jake Keslinke led the way with 46 not out in a winning score of 98-3.

A couple more victories for Cullingworth like the one they had on Saturday at home to struggling Bradley & Colnebridge could vault them into the promotion mix too.

The visitors elected to bat, but within minutes that proved to be a very dubious decision.

They quickly collapsed to 15-3, and soon after they were all at sea on 21-7.

The tail had a little wag but, with James Bloodworth recording 5-18 from his 12 overs, the innings closed on 57.

The hosts required less than 18 overs to score a winning 58-1.