BAD weather, which wiped out the Horwath Pulleyn-Heselton York Vale League's top match between first division leaders Askham Bryan YPO and North Duffield, gave Norwich Union a chance to close the gap by beating bottom club Fulfordgate, writes Andy Charlton.

But it proved an assignment with several alarms for Union. Batting first, Matt Phillips (67) and Will Smith (40) put on 93 for the second wicket. But then an avalanche of wickets saw Union fold from 113-1 to 149 all out. Dave Cairns (5-17) and Pete Fairburn (4-27) did the bulk of the damage.

In Fulfordgate's reply, Keith Pepper advanced to 49 before falling to Gawaine Hogg (4-39). This stalled the 'Gate batting and although a spirited performance was given the anchor club fell 16 runs short.

Drax kept their good run going by reducing Stockton and Hopgrove to 84-8, whose Steve Fraser top-scored with 30 as Dave Brinded took 4-50 and Rich Ounsley 3-9. Paul Smith then thrashed 43 as Drax raced to a nine-wicket win.

Tollerton Outlaws' revival continued at British Sugar. Paul Raper took 8-15 as Sugar were all out for 78 with Tony Raper hitting 37no to confirm Tollerton's eight-wicket win.

Bishopthorpe were in trouble at 75-8 against Westow before Andy Fairburn (34) and Will Reynolds advanced the score to 128. But Neil Earle, who took 4-20, then led Westow to a six-wicket success after he hit an undefeated 56.

In division two, Burton Salmon star Max Driscoll took 5-53 against Ben Johnson. However, chasing 130 Salmon were shot out for 46, Snowden snapping up 7-23.

Copmanthorpe were reduced by Thixendale to 22-4 before Kevin Ryder smacked 71 to take the score to 147, Dean Tyler claiming 5-31. Mike Walker (45) and Ade Brader (69) put on 107 for the first wicket en route to a comfortable victory.

York's Aussie import Terry Rose blossomed to score half of his side's 168 in their division three win over University of York staff. Rich Waites took 5-52 for the Staff side, but it was a rare success as they perished to 85 all out.

Drax batsman Kelvin Brook hit 51no in his side's 115-5 against Malton and Old Malton but it proved in vain as Tim Meegan (32) top-scored as Malton overhauled the target with five wickets in hand.

With division four leaders Acomb not playing, Bishopthorpe toiled before closing the gap. Opponents Selby were reduced to 86 largely by Mike Brown's impressive 7-38. But Bishopthorpe then struggled to a winning 88-7 against Simon Sherwood, who took 4-19.

Tadcaster Magnet also increased the pressure on the front-runners. Batting first against Malton and Old Malton, they posted 121 all out led by Andy Hardy's 46, while Matthew Tildsley bagged 4-33. Malton never freed themselves from a tight attack falling 16 runs shy as David Holmes bagged 4-33.

Heworth hit 152 against Melbourne. Andrew Thrall top-scored with 41 as Martin Kidd took 5-53. Only Mike Howden (43) and Jon Clark (32) hit double figures for Melbourne in their 118 reply.

The only game in division five saw Ovington hit 175-7, Jack Stearman top-scoring on 66. But Neil Copsey (49) and Danny Crockford 34no took Thorpe Willoughby home by two wickets in the last over.

Updated: 11:20 Thursday, August 19, 2004