Acomb, the premier division leaders in Hunters the Estate Agent York and District Senior League, and their nearest rivals Dunnington will meet next week in the final game of the first half of the season with both sides having won five and drawn five of their ten games.

Acomb's draws have been the most productive and, following their seven wicket victory over wooden spoonists Osbaldwick on Saturday they hold a 16-point lead.

Acomb skipper Dave Sykes produced his best bowling of the season when he took seven for 36 to take over as leading wicket taker.

Ian Wilson showed useful form for the visitors in making 56, but Sykes' nephew Andrew Sykes gave good support with the ball with three for 43 as Osbaldwick were sent back for 118.

A third Sykes then came into the picture when Richard made 41 as he and Chris Simpson (45) saw Acomb to a comfortable victory.

Dunnington's win was even easier when they had a nine wicket triumph at Thirsk, but it was less productive for them than Acomb's win as the hosts made a mere 102-6 in the first innings.

Former Thirsk skipper Dave Greenlay made his first return to the Racecourse ground and played a significant part in restricting the home side batsmen as he took two for four in a miserly ten over spell.

Only youngster Neil Laidlaw, with an unbeaten 27, made a noteable score.

Barry Petty then showed his usual economy rate as he conceded just 17 runs off ten overs, but Dunnington were able to coast to a nine wicket win inside 34 overs with Hamid Khan making 51 not out and Greenlay piling on the agony with 22 not out.

Beverley Town's pavilion became the third target for a thief, with players losing money and valuables from their changing rooms. Similar instances have occurred recently at Clifton Alliance and Malton. Clubs are being urged to step up their security and to challenge all unknown personnel seen on the ground.

To complete a dismal day for Beverley they lost by four wickets to Woodhouse Grange, whose Nick Hadfield made an unbeaten 80.

In Beverley's 171 Alistair Brumfield scored 38, Oliver Grantham 36 and Richard Taylor 32 as Ashley Quinn took 3-39 and Paul Grewer 3-41.

Jonathan Bean made 27 for Grange to support Hadfield while Shaun Lightowler, with 3-58, was the pick of the home bowlers.

Sessay skipper Richard Till took seven for 64 at Carlton Towers to set up a two-wicket victory.

Lee Hanson, with 43, and Jamie Pocklington, who made 33, were the pick of Tower's batting in a score of 147. Sessay's Steve Frare made 45 and Chris Till 27.

There was a closely fought draw at Heworth, who just kept their noses in fron despite an opening stand of 125 for Easingwold between Martin Piercy (54) and Jonathan Marwood (66).

Dave Simpson was Heworth's top scorer with 51 out of 188-9. Richard Bowling hit 43 and James Preston 25. Paul Redshaw took 6-52 and Paul Skilbeck 3-27.

Easingwold were prevented from building on their century opening stand by Mohammed Fayyaz, who took 4-65, and Martin Sigsworth, whose 3-43 maintained his ranking the premier division's top bowler.

Pickering beat Clifton Alliance by 115 runs. The Pikes took full batting points when Chris Nicholls (36), Colin Frank (57) and Aean Stuchbery (51) saw them to 202-8.

Richard Musgraves took three for 28 for the Alliance, who were then shot out for just 87 by Craig Aconley, with 4-28, and Mark Shepherd, who took 3-7.

Updated: 09:17 Monday, June 30, 2003