Barrowford climbed into second place in the Craven League First Division on Saturday as they built on their promising start to the season with a win over Airedale at Bull Holme.

The Villagers got off to their desired start after winning the toss and electing to field as Chris Platt made early inroads into top order. He eventually finished with 3-25 from nine overs and was well supported by Ajmal Choudhry (2-42) and Matthew Clark (1-40) as the visitors posted a respectable 157.

Barrowford made steady progress in reply although no batsman made the most of their promising starts and wickets fell at regular intervals.

Andrew Smith (38) and Choudhry (30) made useful contributions but the last pair came together at the crease still 10 runs short of victory.

However, Babar (8 not out) and Simon Jones (2 not out) saw them over the line with two overs remaining.

Thornton beat lowly Bingley Congregationals at Beckfoot Lane, coming home with a 37-run success despite being bowled out for 114, while in Division Two Foulridge were beaten by Ingrow St John’s as they went down to a two-wicket defeat against the league leaders.

And there was another loss for Pendle Forest, who stay bottom of the table after they went down to Cononley at Old Laund Booth.

In Division Three Barrowford seconds stay on top despite their game with Eldwick and Gilstead being abandoned, while Chatburn went down to a 33-run defeat at the hands of Denholme.

Sunday saw the first round of the Wynn Cup and holders Foulridge got their defence off to a fine start as they beat Skipton Church Institute by four wickets, while Thornton lost to Bingley Congregationals 24 hours after beating the same side in the league.

And there was joy for Chatburn as they strolled to a seven-wicket win over Riddlesden after knocking the Yorkshire side over for 94.