Norwich Union, leaders of the first division of the Horwath Pulleyn Heselton York Vale League, took an important stride towards achieving their first-ever championship when beating third-placed York by eight wickets.

They do, however, need to win their final game of the season as second-placed Ovington picked up 29 points at Hemingbrough yesterday. Good wins for York Post Office against Drax and Bishopthorpe at Burn ease any of their relegation worries.

British Sugar and Westow both picked up maximum points and their clash next Saturday will decide the division two championship.

At the other end of the table, Thixendale are safe for another season after an excellent win at Copmanthorpe.

Thorpe Willoughby beat Fulfordgate and need to beat fellow strugglers Wheldrake next week to stay up.

Hirst United and Tollerton both gained promotion from division three. The defeat of Kelfield by Hirst meant Tollerton would finish second despite their reversal at Askham Bryan.

There was a good win for York University Staff in their fight to avoid relegation.

Wistow, having beaten Acomb, need just four points to join division four champions Burton Salmon in the third next season.

Tadcaster Magnet will be relegated but who joins them will be decided on the final day of the season.

Another last-day decider will be who finishes runners-up to Bishopthorpe in division five. The Bishops won by ten wickets and second-placed York picked up a maximum at Thorpe Willoughby in their last match. Pocklington with a game to play need seven points to pip York after beating Stockton & Hopgrove.

Updated: 14:25 Monday, September 02, 2002