Tadcaster Magnet still top division five after gaining the better of a draw with Rowntrees, who only fielded nine men.

Tadcaster, after losing three wickets for 14 runs, recovered to 147-8 thanks to a half century by Kevin Wakefield and some lusty blows from Peter MacNamara, who batted with the aid of a runner.

Tony Edwards (3-33) bowled a lengthy spell, while Will Burns took four wickets for Rowntrees.

The home side opted for a draw from the outset and reached 80-5 thanks to lengthy innings from Andy Main and Steve Aldous on his debut, while skipper Kieth Burrows also helped his side's cause before Richard Barker ensured a draw.

The key clash between Malton & Old Malton and Thorp Arch & Boston Spa saw the former gain a three-wicket win to cement their second place and open a 35-point gap on their opponents.

Steve Raine made 27 for Thorp but the first-half honours were claimed by Chris Brigham (7-35), who had the West Riding side all out for 103.

Former Ribchester player Howard Lofthouse then took 3-20 and Mike Cole 3-18 as Malton reeled at 70-6 but ice cool John Foxton (34) saw Malton ease to victory at 104-7.

Thirsk and Selby both gained nine points from their abandoned game but a similar haul for Bolton Percy has left them with virtually no hope of getting out of the sole relegation place in the division. The result of Sessay v Carlton Towers has not been received.

Three division six games were abandoned without a ball being bowled, while no result has been received in respect of Stamford Bridge v Cawood.

New Earswick's hopes of securing a promotion place were dented when they lost by six wickets at Civil Service, who are in fourth. Mick Steels made 31 for Earswick but they were all out for 87 as Alec Raper claimed 6-18. Raper then made 22 not out to help Alan Robinson (27) seal a victory. Chris Soulsby took 2-25 for the visitors.

Updated: 10:59 Monday, August 12, 2002