Sewerby have a two-point lead over Yapham in division three after both teams had the better of draws in their games.

Yapham were indebted to Brian Shirley, who has resumed his career after eight years on the neutral umpire panel and made 67 not out from low down the order.

His side were in trouble against Civil Service as former British Sugar bowler Paul Wynn reduced them to 49-7 inside 14 overs.

But Tim Lazenby was then joined by Shirley and the pair put on 58 for the eighth wicket until Lazenby went for 33.

Shirley, who had a successful career as wicket-keeper batsman with Sheriff Hutton Bridge, York in the Yorkshire League and Eccleshill and Idle in the Bradford League, then added 61 with Steve Walker for the ninth wicket until Walker fell for 21.

Yapham totalled 170 in 41 overs, while Wynn's final figures were a creditable 7-72 off 18 overs.

With 49 overs at their disposal, Civil Service seemed set to gain their first victory as Dean Hanley (55) put them in a strong position, but Yapham then called on Clive Clark, whose 6-22 off 14 overs tipped the scales the hosts' way.

With Paul Barnes taking 2-36 and fine support coming from the fielders, Clark restricted Service to 160-9 as Yapham emerged with the major share of the spoils.

Sewerby's batsmen earned the full reward at Woodhouse Grange as they reached 201-9 through Mike Artley (62), Chris Briggs (51) and Robin Coates (40) as Graham Smith took 3-40 and Pete Nolton 3-45. Woodhouse opted for a comfortable draw at 102-6.

After suffering a mauling at Sewerby last week, Rowntree improved against Londesbrough Park and were able to declare after gaining their fifth batting point at 204-7 in 44 overs. Openers Richard Tuite (63) and Gerry Capelin (44) then Paul Horner (35) got in the runs, while Phil Curtis took 4-66.

Nevertheless, their bowlers were on the receiving end of another century as Park skipper John Williamson made 107 to add to the previous three tons suffered by the Rowntree bowlers. However, Horner took 4-65 and, with Williamson lacking support, Londesbrough only reached 177-6.

Struggling Cawood were unable to post an adequate score against visiting Heworth II.

Trevor Walton (4-43) and Jason Gatus (3-47) kept the scoring under control and Cawood only made 128-9 mainly through Rob Wood (49) and Simon Hall (25).

Cawood had a glimpse of hope as Heworth lost two wickets for only 24 but Joe Johnson (54no) combined with Gatus (61no) in an unbroken winning stand of 108.

There was no play between Hovingham and Heslington and New Earswick and Whitkirk II.

Updated: 11:48 Monday, May 20, 2002