STAMFORD Bridge's lead in division two was reduced when they had to settle for a draw against Scarborough.

Stuart Boyle was in fine form for the Derwentsiders as he cracked an unbeaten 133. Andy Milner 27 and Paul Milner 43 also weighed in as Stamford made 250-5 with Scarborough carrying a four-over penalty into the second half because of their slow over rate.

Their runs came from Craig Sanderson 39, Mark Laidler 32 and Mark Welford, who held the Stamford bowlers at bay with an unbeaten 48 before the offer of ending the game after 41 overs was accepted by Stamford with Scarborough on 144-5.

Studley Royal kept in touch with the leaders when they overtook Crayke's 165-7 for an identical loss of wickets.

Paul Hutchinson top scored with 50 for the Hambleton side with Graeme Dawson adding 31 and Jonathon Wright an unbeaten 25 as Andy Mackle claimed 4-45.

In reply, Rob Mackle made 33, Paul Scatchard 35 and 20-year-old Nick Harland 25no with Norman Pipes claiming 4-31 for Crayke.

Bridlington's star overseas player Haafiz Khalid hit his fourth ton of the season when he made 109 in his side's first innings score of 249-5 against Hovingham. Barry Rudd 72 and Steve Garton 28 also found their side's newly laid square to their liking.

Stuart Prest 33 and Jonty Rounthwaite 30 were victims as Richard Mainprize claimed 3-18 but Paul Deverell came to Hovingham's rescue, making an unbeaten 62 as his side held out for a draw at 167-9.

Amidst the flurry of runs across the divisions, there was a total contrast at St Helen's Road where a young Castleford side were bowled out for 80 as Mick Kenyon took 5-11.

The visitors were handicapped when in-form batsman Simon Parker was a late arrival and had to bat at number 11. Andy Kenyon's unbeaten 38 then took 'Houses to a seven-wicket win.

Updated: 10:03 Monday, July 26, 2004