HORNSEA took a big step towards the division two title while, at the same time ending the threat of rivals Dringhouses whom they beat by three wickets.

Mark Fenton made 71 as Dringhouses moved to 163 for the loss of four wickets but a mega-collapse, engineered by Ahmed Nadeem (6-51) saw the home side lose their remaining six wickets for only 16 runs. Richard Medforth, with 61, and Dave Prescott, who made 42, then steered Hornsea to a winning 180-7.

Second-placed Malton & Old Malton lost ground when held to a home draw by lowly Rowntrees.

Richard Tuite hit his third century of the season when he dominated a century opening stand for Rowntrees with Sean Marshall (30) before eventually falling for 114. Tony Linsley (4-61) and Danny Foxton (3-64) were the wicket-takers in the York side's total of 198-7. Greg Johnson then replied with 54, but another important spell by 'Trees skipper Paul Horner saw him take 5-72 to peg the promotion hopefuls to 177-9.

Wilberfoss were agonisingly short of a fine win against Harrogate, failing by three runs to reach their winning target of 238. Harrogate's K Gordon set the fashion for batting superiority by making an unbeaten 119, while James Capper made 65 before being run out and Harrogate's total of 237-5 appeared to be beyond the reach of lowly Wilberfoss.

However, their batsmen then set about their task with relish with John Chaplin making 41, skipper Ian Clish (80) and Geoff Room (46), but a nail-biting finale saw them close at 235-7.

Stillington's unsuccessful trip to Scarborough put the final nail in their coffin when they were soundly beaten by nine wickets in a game reduced to 30 overs by rain. Ian Shepherd made 39no and Shamy Dissanayake 38 in a Stillington total of 144-8. Scarborough's only wicket to fall was Gary Pickup who was dismissed for 47 leaving Dave Morris to progress to 77no before the winning run was scored.

Updated: 12:28 Monday, September 01, 2003