Sheriff Hutton Bridge made it three out of three after they emerged nine-wicket victors in the 'Battle of the Bridges' at Stamford.

Aussie Stuart Boyle hit 91 to ensure a decent home total which was boosted to 190-8 by Andy Milner (37) and Graham Tipping (25) despite Paul Oldfield's 5-75.

The SHB skipper was then dismissed for 16 but Mike Smith, with 90no, and Steve Crowder, who survived an early chance to make 68no, shared an unbroken second-wicket stand of 167 to see their side to a convincing division one victory.

There was a thrilling finish at York where the home side closed three short of victory over Driffield despite a fine century by Nash Stone.

Driffield took the unusual step of opting to bat after winning the toss and posted a total of 219-5 through 18-year-old Chris Chaman 60, Richard Grice 56, Paul Sellar 32 and Mick Drury 26no. Stone then led the response in fine style, making 127. Mike Davies supported with 54 but, despite their efforts, York were only able to reach 217-5.

In the remaining four games in the division, Hull Zingari overwhelmed Tadcaster Magnet, who were bowled out for 55, by 146 runs, while Ripon's last pair were unable to score the four required to beat Goole Town and had to settle for a draw.

Whitkirk were well adrift of Duncombe Park's 270-4 in another draw and Crayke's game at Pocklington became the only one to be foreclosed by the weather.

A feature of the Duncombe Park's innings was a first-wicket stand of 167 between Brian Leckenby, who hit 115, and Mark Wilkie, who made 67, in their total of 270-4. Former Park player Andy Pierson top scored with 61 in Whitkirk's 185-7. Paul Mason took 7 for 28 for Ripon.

Updated: 09:47 Monday, May 12, 2003