Liversedge and Spen Victoria's struggles continue after suffering defeats

Liversedge suffered a ninth loss of the campaign, going down by 40 runs at Carlton and they are a point behind Spen, who produced a spirited effort before losing to leaders Keighley.

In-form youngster Daniel Ford continued his fine run as he top scored with 51 in Carlton’s 207-7.

Liversedge captain Graham Winn made a determined 70 in reply, while Will Atkin chipped in with 43 not out but they were bowled out for 167 as Liam Morris was the pick of Carlton’s bowlers with 4-38.

Spen Victoria were unlucky to go down by 12 runs to Keighley.

Experienced opener Richard Gould hit his second century of the season and his knock of exactly 100 included a six and 15 fours.

Support came from Nathan Storton (40) as Keighley reached 212-4.

Spen made a spirited 200-8 in reply but their hopes of victory were ended by Paul Quinlan, who claimed 5-34.

Birstall defeated Brighouse by 107 runs to maintain their promotion challenge.

It was Birstall’s seventh win from eight games and they are eight points behind Wakefield St Michaels and 23 off Keighley but with a game in hand.

Ian Carradice led the way with the bat for Birstall as he hit 79, while Nick Kaye chipped in with 32 and the total was boosted to 207-9 thanks to 20 not out from no11 Ryan Gray despite Amrik Singh taking 4-60.

Gray went on to produce match winning bowling figures of 6-38 as they dismissed their opponents for 100.

Second-placed Wakefield St Michael’s defeated East Ardsley by 80 runs

Opener Mark Atkinson hit a superb 132 including a six and 18 fours as St Michael’s built a total of 288-4.

Ayaz Seedat (55) joined Atkinson to add 120 for the third wicket while James Cooper made 56 not out.

Ashley Pearson took 3-81 for East Ardsely, who were dismissed for 208 in reply.