Selby batsman Ian Lake created a new record for the most runs in division five when he made 75 against Rowntrees to bring his aggregate for the year to 1,173.

That total is way past the previous best of 1,105 set by Pickering's Kevin Wilson two years ago.

With Selby's ground having been taken over by rugby, the fixture was played at Huby, where only Alan Roberts of the Rowntrees' batsmen made any impression as Richard Sherwood took 3-23 and Gareth Roberts 3-30. The Rowntrees' branch of the Roberts clan made 66 as the side reached 117-7 in a 40-over game.

Lake then embarked on a typical hard-hitting innings which soon saw him go past Wilson's mark. With Matt Hoyle 35no in support, Selby appeared to be heading for a ten-wicket win before Lake was stumped by Richard Barker off the occasional spin of Duncan Roberts. Lake had made an outstanding 75 in an opening partnership of 115.

Carlton Towers' 51-year-old batsman Paul Day made his highest score for the club, for whom he has played since 1986.

He hit an unbeaten 88 against Dringhouses, his sterling effort enabling Carlton to recover from 40-4. Day shared a fifth-wicket stand of 86 with Tim Clayton which helped Towers reach 135-5.

Dave Storr bowled a mean 11 overs to take 4-15, then Alwyn Yorke hit 31no, as Dringhouses pulled off a six-wicket victory which left their hosts threatened by one of the three relegation places.

With Dringhouses and Rowntrees already relegated, that third slot is currently occupied by New Earswick, despite their easy win over Stamford Bridge.

Bridge were routed by Cristian Soulsby, who took 7-21, and Andy Routledge (3-21) with wicket-keeper Dave Scott's four catches underpinning the demolition.

Mark Benson then hit 24no as Earswick coasted past their modest target of 63 for the loss of just one wicket.

Two of the three promotion contenders locked horns at Tadcaster, where Pocklington's 69-run win ensured their ascent, while Tadcaster's defeat virtually ended their aspirations.

Bowlers held the upper hand as all 20 wickets fell.

Pocklington's Colin Forsythe's 39 was the defining innings as Tyrone Naude took 6-59 and Mark Cass 3-19 to have them all out for 144.

Tadcaster's batsmen then failed lamentably as Dave Gamble took 3-10 as they perished to an all-out score of 75.

Updated: 11:05 Wednesday, September 10, 2003