A high-scoring game at Helmsley saw first division leaders Sheriff Hutton Bridge clinch promotion with the best of a draw with Duncombe Park.

In the absence of regular opener Mike Smith, Mike Sinclair joined skipper Paul Oldfield in an opening stand of 110, making 52 while his skipper reached 79. Steve Crowder chipped in with 29 before Nick Scaling cracked an unbeaten 53 to hoist Bridge's score to 256-6.

In reply, Duncombe Park slipped to 44-4 but made good headway as ex-Harrogate man Alex Boyle 42 and Paul Wilkie, who was unbeaten with 70, added 101 for the sixth wicket to take Park to 200-7.

York II reduced the leading margin to 35 points when they had a comfortable five-wicket win over Whitkirk, who had set a target of 173-9. Sean Hunter followed his 3-26 with 51 as he and Will Warne 54 set up a York victory.

Hull Zingari kept their slight promotion hopes alive when they had the better of a draw at Crayke, who are in grave danger of relegation. Zingari made 180-5 and were never under threat as Andy Hamson claimed 4-33 and Crayke closed on 73-9.

Tadcaster Magnet maintained a mathematical interest in the promotion race by inflicting an 88-run defeat on Stamford Bridge.

Russ Parker made 59 and Mick Ransome 43 to help Magnet to 175 before they were dismissed by Peter Aconley (3-34) and Dave Chaplin (4-38). Bridge were destroyed for 87 with Paul Clark taking 6-34.

Updated: 12:30 Monday, September 01, 2003