Sewerby are first time winners after capturing the division three championship in their first year in the York League.

The East Coast side - who had a scary day at Heworth where the hosts almost pulled off a win before having to accept the worst of a draw - saw the title confirmed by the failure of the Rowntrees batsmen to chase a modest Woodhouse Grange score.

For Sewerby, Chris Briggs hit 40 and Malcolm Artley 48 but the experienced bowling pair of Mark Sigsworth (4-47) and Trevor Wal-ton (4-39) had them all out for 148.

Sigsworth continued by making 32 and Graham Hogben added 28 but Mark Langley took 3-14 to restrict Heworth to 137-8.

Evergreen Stuart Craven defied the Rowntrees bowlers when Woodhouse Grange batted first at Mille Crux. He made an unbeaten 53 and was largely responsible for Grange's modest 127-6.

Paul Horner took 3-42 for the hosts, who were bowled out for 91 by Simon Anderson (5-20) and Pete Nolton (3-11). Skipper Horner made 25 and was thankful his side had been assured of promotion irrespective of the result.

Cawood's Richard Nicholson hit 119no as he carried his bat in 185-6 against Yapham, for whom Nigel West took 4-50.

Unfortunately details of Yapham's innings have not been received so the result of this relegation game is unknown. No details are known about the Hovingham v New Earswick match.

Civil Service remain likely relegation candidates after taking a mere three points from their home defeat to Heslington.

Aussie Ryan Elliott hit 85, Paul Neal 31 and Neil Benn 25 as Heslington made 166-7 despite a good bowling performance by Rees Houghton (6-43).

His efforts were outshone by Mick Firth (7-39) and, although Darren Hanley made 36, Neil James (3-15) gave Firth good support as Service were dismissed for 79.

Whitkirk II, having conceded two games, were back on the field but suffered their 16th defeat of the season when Chris Barlow took Londesbrough Park to a vital win in their bid to avoid relegation.

S Peters made 38 for Whitkirk, who were out for 96 with R Sawyer taking 5-29 and D Kerfoot 4-27.

Updated: 14:20 Monday, September 02, 2002