STEETON’S remarkable rise towards safety in the Aire-Wharfe League Premier Division has continued.

Their defeat of Horsforth Hall Park on Saturday was their sixth straight victory since they lost by two runs to Burley on July 13.

In what was a repeat of the recent Waddilove Cup final, which Hall Park won, the visitors were asked to bat at Summerhill Lane and recovered from 49-5 to 204 via a century by Andy Bairstow (102).

Ben Hemsley caused damage at both ends of the innings to finish with 5-38 and he was backed up nicely by Paul Quinlan (2-14).

Hemsley, who is in a purple patch, then starred with the bat.

He finally found a willing partner in James Robinson (39), the pair putting on 65 together, before being dismissed for 82 off 105 balls.

Keeper Adam Smith (20 not out) then helped Steeton to a five-wicket victory with 10 balls to spare, thus gaining them revenge for their cup defeat.

Steeton keeper Adam Smith was forced to watch Andy Bairstow score a century, but he had the last laugh when he saw his side over the line to victory.Steeton keeper Adam Smith was forced to watch Andy Bairstow score a century, but he had the last laugh when he saw his side over the line to victory. (Image: John Heald Photography.)

Third-bottom Steeton are not safe yet, but they are now 36 points clear of the drop zone, albeit having played a game more than second-bottom Rawdon.

In Division One, relegation-threatened Harden were no match for leaders Addingham at Ilkley Road.

Addingham scored 212, Matthew Hogg taking wickets at both end of the innings to finish with a creditable 5-41.

Harden were then dismissed for 112, although they did have some hope when Toby Priestley (42) and Prathamesh Kumble (22) added 62 for the third wicket.

Harden are second from bottom, 14 points behind Bardsey, and time is running out to save themselves.

They have only won four games so far, and are looking set for an immediate return to the third tier.