ONLY eight points separate the top three teams in division five with Pocklington currently holding pride of place.

They had a less than demanding affair at Huntington, where the home side made a modest first innings score of 126-8 . Ted Donkin took 3-38 for the visitors and followed with 53 before Mark Croft (46no) and Rich Bower (25no) took their side to an eight-wicket victory.

Selby fell back to second place when they survived some hair-raising moments to get the better of a closely fought draw at Hovingham. Ian Lake maintained his extraordinary form by making 74 in 44 overs to rescue his side who had been reduced to 37-5 by Tom Lund 3-61 and Mike Hemingway whose 6-59 eventually had Selby all out for 146. In Hovingham's reply, Tom Banks made 39 and Jason Dale 20 but Chris Dye took 3-46 as Hovingham's reply fell at 142-6.

Tadcaster Magnet kept firmly in contention when they raced to a ten-wicket win at Stamford Bridge inside 18 overs. Graham Flint made 41 for Bridge but Tadcaster's bowlers were always in command with Tyrone Naude taking 5-39 in 14 overs and John Weatherhill 4-8 as Stamford collapsed to 94 all out. Graham Collins then raced to 61no as he and Dave Colquhoun 24no saw off the runs in 17.1 overs.

Graham Cressey made 80no and Ian Gray 38no to take Sessay to a nine-wicket win over Dringhouses. Alwyne Yorke had made 42 and Dave Storr 25 for the York side who were all out for 138 as Ian Watkinson took 4-33, Jim Easton 3-26 and Mike Shuttleworth 3-47.

Dringhouses are one point ahead of Rowntrees who had an unrewarding game against Carlton Towers.

Rowntrees contrived to spurn a number of chances as Martin Denby made 47, Richard Knapp 30 and Graham Townend 37 to see Carlton to 166-6. Rowntrees then lost half their side for 46 of which Steve Aldous made 26 before entrenchment was adopted. However, a poor shot helped Ben Lamb break a stubborn stand and the spinner then cut through the remaining batting to finish with 5-16 as Rowntrees were dismissed for 95.

Andy Routledge hit 73 when New Earswick batted first at Thirsk. With Mick Steels 30, Mark Benson 36 and Dave Scott 28no all contributing, Earswick were able to reach 206-4.

Thirsk's Under-15s batsman Mark Cook then made a fine 63, while Mal Hartley added 30 as Thirsk gained a draw with some ease when they reached 160-6.

Updated: 12:27 Monday, September 01, 2003