Steeton survive but Harden on brink in Aire-Wharfe League

Promoted last season, they lost eight of their first 10 completed matches and looked for all money as if they would return back to the second tier.

However, a remarkable run of nine successive victories has secured their place in the Premier Division for 2025, with Rawdon, who Steeton defeated on Saturday, being demoted instead alongside Bilton.

Rawdon, whose season has gone in the opposite direction to Steeton - they won three of their first four but have now lost 12 of their last 15 completed matches - were put in at Larkfield Road.

That proved a very wise decision by Steeton skipper Steve Pearson as they were skittled for 88.

New-ball duo James McDonald (3-29) and Pearson (4-12) reducing the home side to 5-5 before stands of 25 and 32 got them to a level of respectability.

Rain then reduced Steeton’s target to 83 from 41 overs, and Ben Hemsley, who didn’t bowl due to a shoulder injury, guided them to a seven-wicket win inside 17 overs by scoring 48 not out.

Steeton have climbed above North Leeds into ninth and are 44 points above the second relegation place with only 40 points to play for.

But with two games left of the season, Harden’s situation in Division One is looking increasingly grim.

They are 17 points behind third-from-bottom Calverley, who won at home to Colton, after losing by five wickets to visitors New Rover.

Sent in, the home side made a strong start via opener Tom Stordy (29) and Toby Priestley (40), who put on 70 for the second wicket.

Toby Priestley top scored for Harden in their disappointing defeat to New Rover. (Image: John Ashton.)

Prathamesh Kumble (34) then batted well with the lower order to guide his side to a total of 170-9 off 47 overs.

New Rover were 26-2, but won off the first ball of the 31st over to virtually make themselves safe, despite Matthew Hogg taking 4-50.