Skelmanthorpe scored a vital victory at the bottom of the Drakes Premiership, Cawthorne survived a real scare at the top of the Championship and a new arrival to the league made a big impact on debut.

At Slaithwaite, Skelmanthorpe hauled themselves back within striking distance of five clubs with a three-wicket victory against the Colne Valley side.

Only Ian Holt made double figures (22) as Slaithwaite were skittled for 77.

Tuseif Arshad and Kiwi Tony Goodin took three wickets each and Amjid Khan and Kristian Whittaker two apiece to put the skids under the Hill Top men, but Skelmanthorpe were in desperate trouble in reply until keeper Luke Webster (39) and Jonny Hart (18 not out) guided them home in the 17th over.

Making a big impact on debut was Scholes’ overseas signing Jono Boult from Northern Districts in New Zealand.

The 29-year-old off-spinner took six for 60 to help keep the Chapelgate side top of the Premiership as they dismissed Barkisland for 161 in reply to 260-6 in a 40-over game at Chapelgate.

Boult had also hit a rapid 46 in the Scholes innings, which was anchored by a fine 102 not out from his Bay of Plenty teammate Pete Drysdale while Alex Scholefield, Matt Steers and Chris Williams took two wickets each.

Only Boult’s ND teammate Tim Seifert, with 70, really got going in reply for Barkisland as Josh Brook backed up the new man with three for 45.

Hoylandswaine are just a point behind Scholes and ensured a mini-break of the leading two by beating nearest rivals Shepley at Haigh Lane.

Former Shepley player SP Singh did the business for Swaine with an undefeated 87 to take his side to 200-5 in reply to Shepley’s 198 all out in which home skipper Richard Wilkinson took four for 42 with his off-spin.

Amar Rashid had a half-century for Shepley and Aussie Christian Smith 47, but they were dismissed in 36.2. Swaine got home in 34.1 with the help of 33 from Gharib Nawaz and 39 from Max Joice.

Shelley picked up six points at Elland as South African Sash Naidoo collected four for 38 from 10 overs to restrict the home side to 177, Mo Bhoola taking three for 47 off 15.

The visitors got home with two overs and two wickets to spare as opener Abdul Wahid made 68 and Ibrar Younas a steady 10 not out at the end. Young Benji Birkhead with 55 was the best of the Elland batsmen.

Will Binns hit 73 as Moorlands put up 239-7 at Broad Oak, who were out for 224 in reply despite 73 from Harvey Booth.

Delph & Dobcross crushed Kirkburton after totalling 274-7 in which Greg Buckley hit 77 and Nathan Jones a maiden 50.

Craig Fletcher replied with an unbeaten 50 for Burton, but Wasim Qasim took five for 35 as they were held at 128-8 .

Golcar are in the bottom two after being sent back for just 88 at home to Honley, with Sam Denton picking up five for 40.

Tim Welsford picked up three for 52 in reply but his fellow Victoria Premier player Aaron Crispe was 34 not out as Honley got home at 92-5.

In the Jedi Sports Championship, leaders Cawthorne had a remarkable one-run victory over Linthwatie at Manchester Road.

Cawthorne were behind the eight ball until skipper Chris Walmsley at No6 added 39 before No8 Connor Thompson and No10 Spencer Wiles hit 43 not out and 30 not out in an unbroken stand which took them to 191-8 in 45 overs. Asam Raza with four for 36 was the best of the Linthwaite attack.

Sajid Bashir hit 61 and Imran Malik 64 as Linthwaite made progress, despite a five for 33 haul from Muzuza Hussain. But they were held just short on 190-8 in a thrilling finish.

They remain two points ahead of Clayton West and Armitage Bridge while Almondbury remain deep in trouble after being bowled out for 58 by Holmfirth.

Bilal Khiljee and Max Gummerson did the damage with ball for Holmfirth, taking four for 30 and five for 28 respectively and they set up an easy nine-wicket win.

Kirkheaton are still bottom after losing their derby to Lascelles Hall.

Aqeel Mukhtar hit 76, Sam Scott 33 and Corey Bullock 31 as the Hall totalled 217-8 in 37 overs. Rahat Shah took four wickets.

Kirkheaton were never in the hunt in reply, although opener Arron Charlton was 29 not out at the end with no-one to stay with him as they were all out for just 95.

In the Cedar Court Conference, leaders Rastrick were all out for 95 at home to Denby Dale as Jordan Geldart took five for 34 and Aidan Geldart three for 11.

Jordan Ghani with four for 15, skipper Ollie Pearson three for 21 and Aussie Mitchell McCoach three for 17, however, as the Dale were sent back for 53.