EASINGWOLD had a fairly comfortable passage into the semi-finals of the Hunters York Premier Cup when they beat Pickering by 22 runs despite a fine spell of bowling by Charlie Marwood, who took 5-27.

A second wicket stand of 75 between Martin Piercy (26) and Martin Robinson (66) lifted Easingwold to 159.

The Pickering innings started disastrously when Paul Skilbeck had in-form batsman Chris Nicholls caught off his third delivery. Pickering's hopes nose-dived further when Colin Frank was run out by Adrian Metcalfe after making 37 and they were bowled out for 137 in 38 overs.

Woodhouse Grange beat Sessay by seven wickets with five overs to spare.

Sessay made 167-5 with Nick Harrison top-scoring with 44.

In reply, Grange's Sajid and Jon Bean moved to 91 before the Pakistani was bowled by Steve Langstaff after completing his half-century. The young spinner then held a return catch to remove Bean for 39 before Howard Johnson added 22 to the mounting score. Mike Burdett (27no) and brother Steve (14no) then eased Woodhouse to victory.

First division team Sheriff Hutton Bridge included five of their successful Under-15 squad when they entertained premier division side Osbaldwick.

The youngsters did well to bowl out Osbaldwick for 178, Richard Carrick taking 3-27 in 7.4 overs.

Opener Dave Thompson provided the backbone of Osbaldwick's innings with 93 off 106 balls - his highest score for the club.

He was seven short of his century when Carrick had him caught by captain Paul Scaling behind the stumps.

Bridge's limited batting line-up suffered the loss of an early wicket at 11 but moved to 62 before Steve Crowder was caught and bowled by Steve Young for 26.

At 99, Dave Ellis was bowled by Dave Cooper for 15 but Paul Scaling was in dazzling form as, with Graham Oxley lending fine support, he raced to an unbeaten 102 from 99 balls. With Oxley making 24no, Bridge ran out winners by seven wickets with over two overs to spare.

The outstanding game between Ripon and Dunnington will take place on Sunday, July 20.

Updated: 09:51 Friday, July 18, 2003