THE two games between division three rivals Cawood and Sewerby this season have both been fairly nail-biting affairs.

Despite their fairly lowly position, Cawood set a challenging target of 219-7, built on the back Richard Nicholson's 70 and Miles Taylor's 47. Lee Adamson made 38, while, for Sewerby, Sam Edmondson took 3-73.

Sewerby began their retaliation with an opening partnership of 74 before losing four quick wickets for just five runs. A stand of 100 for the fifth wicket between Michael Artley (56) and Ian Pearson (58) looked to have the makings of a match-winner - that was until until Pearson fell and the visitors were eventually forced to settle for the losing draw, just 12 runs behind. Chris Briggs made 46 and Nigel Bartram was Cawood's most successful bowler, taking 5-68.

Spectators at Rowntrees must have thought the factory side had blown it when they were restricted to a very indifferent 93-8 against third-placed Heworth - especially when they were 12-6 during the first 16 overs, due in large part to the bowling of Bowling (6-35). Mike Shirley (33no) and Kevin Palmer (25) gave the final score at least some semblance of respectability.

There were more surprises to come as Rowntrees skipper Paul Horner led from the front, taking 5-30 in 13.1 overs, sharing the spoils equally with Dave Thompson (5-24), and together they skittled out the visitors for an even more indifferent 64.

Whitkirk remain bottom, despite doubling their tally of wins with an unexpected victory at Hovingham.

Star of the show was Whitkirk bowler Jon Woolley, who took 8-31 as the home side closed their account at 166, in which Alistair Thorpe's 75 was the top score.

Garry Thorpe then ensured that Woolley's efforts were not wasted as he struck 86 in the Whitkirk reply of 167-5.

New Earswick gave themselves renewed hope of finishing near the top by thumping Civil Service, even though their total of 171-9 seemed well within reach.

Mark Benson (38), Craig Stimpson (41) and Christian Soulsby (27) all made useful contributions against a bowling attack in which Rees Houghton took 4-67 and Mick Bradley 3-65.

Andy Freeman and Paul Stimpson then took three cheap wickets apiece as Service were rolled over for just 77.

Heslington eased themselves away from the relegation zone with a comfortable win over Woodhouse Grange.

Stuart Craven's 26 and James Rudd's 22 were the only scores of any significance in Grange's total of 114 all out. Mick Firth took 4-31, but the man of the match was Chris Dower, who took six scalps before smashing 79 not out in just 52 balls, as Heslington won by eight wickets.

Londesbrough Park slipped back to 11th place after drawing at Yapham.

The home side finished with a total of 176-7, of which Clive Clark contributed 78.

For Park, Mark Taylor scored 38 not out and J Williamson 28 as the visitors lost eight wickets in scoring 141.

Updated: 12:00 Monday, July 15, 2002