The match of the day clash between premier division champions-elect Dunnington and third-placed Heworth fell victim to the weather after 41 overs.

By that time Dunnington had reached 146-5. Collis King hit 44 and is now homing in on 900 runs for the season, well ahead of his rivals in the race to 1,000 runs.

The resulting nine points to each side not only leaves Dunnington's second title prize on hold but weakens Heworth's chances of gaining the runners-up trophy.

This award is increasingly likely to reside in Acomb's trophy cabinet after their advantage draw at Osbaldwick which leaves them 53 points ahead of third-placed Heworth.

Three overs per side were lost due to the weather and the Acomb batsmen suffered some restrictions as Damian Aston took 5-70 in a 24-over stint. He was well supported by Dyran Joshi's 3-42 but Chris Simpson compiled an important 51, while youngster Leon Sacks contributed 37 to Acomb's 144-8.

Acomb skipper Dave Sykes then took over as leading wicket taker by claiming 5-33 in 19 overs and, with Shanuka Dissanayake only conceding 32 runs in a 23-over spell, Osbaldwick were restricted to an unrewarding 98-8.

Clifton Alliance batted first when visiting Beverley and found themselves bowled out for 178 as Simon Roe claimed 3-64 and 18-year-old Stephen Blake 4-42.

Simon Dwyer made 29 for Clifton whose top scorer was John Hunter with 44. Hunter then followed with 4-48 to keep his side ahead in the stakes. Jamie Mitchell hit 56 for the hosts and Graham Taylor an unbeaten 31 but Beverley's reply could only reach 153-7.

Two relegation sides met at Thirsk where Sheriff Hutton Bridge suffered at the hands of two former members as they crashed to a seven-wicket defeat which has put their premier membership in severe jeopardy.

Steve Crowder (34) was the only Bridge batsman to cope with the bowling of Barry Petty. He produced by far his best figures of the season as he grabbed 7-33 to dismiss the visitors for 86.

Dave Greenlay then made 27 but it was left to Des Wyrill (25no), who had a long career with the Moor Farm side, to steer Thirsk to victory and divisional safety.

Pickering's presence in the top bracket remains in danger after their defeat at Woodhouse Grange.

Chris Nicholls made 59 but, despite his efforts, Pickering were bowled out for 143 with Kashif Raza taking 3-41 to bring his tally to 55 wickets.

The Pakistani one-day international player had good support from Graham Smith who took 3-12 and then made 29 in Grange's reply.

Nick Hadfield made a fine unbeaten 72 as Woodhouse gained victory for the loss of four wickets.

Updated: 08:36 Tuesday, August 27, 2002