AUSTRALIAN Ben Nicholson's 106 helped Malton and Old Malton set a target which was beyond the reach of hosts Studley Royal in division two.

Royal fell to a 48 run defeat when they were bowled out for 146 by Chris Hudson (5-42). Greg Johnson made 31 for the Derwent side but it was Nicholson who caught the eye as he reached 106 before being dismissed off the final ball of the innings as Malton made 194-4. In Studley's reply, Anthony Mackle made 38 and Peter Orton 58.

Stamford Bridge and Tadcaster Magnet each made it three wins out of three as they both recorded home victories with Bridge's being the most rewarding as they increased their lead at the top.

Bridlington's total of 179-8 came from a quartet of batsmen who all contributed despite some good bowling from 16-year-old David Chaplin who had figures of 4-23. Will Oliphant top scored with 38, Brian Rudd and Hafiz Khalid each made 31 and Ian Shipley 26 for Bridlington who then failed to take a wicket as Steve Towse hit his first century in Stamford colours making an unbeaten 103. He and promising 16-year-old John Hetherton, who made 64no, reached a winning target of 181 without loss.

Tadcaster Magnet bowler Paul Downey is way ahead of the field in the race to become the first bowler to reach the handbook qualifying target of 20 wickets.

His latest haul of 5-32 off 22 overs increased his bag to 18 in the opening three games. Paul, son of former Tadcaster star Terry Downey, was supported by Matt Keel (3-43), whose father Tony was a top player with York RI and York, as Bubwith were bowled out for 115. Ed Smith made 46 and Neil Readman 25 for the visitors.

Brian Stevenson (3-38) and Brian Last (3-35) hit back but Dave Lord held his nerve to compile an unbeaten 30 as Magnet attracted the winning points at 116-7.

Old Ridings League rivalries were renewed when Castleford journeyed to St George's Road to meet Harrogate. The home side batted first but failed to take advantage of the favourable batting conditions and had to thank skipper Jeremy Henderson for their below par total of 134 all out. He made 65 and was the only batsman to make an impact as Craig Piggott claimed 4-24. Castleford's batsmen then also struggled against the experience of Peter Kippax, whose 4-10 came off 12 overs and included eight maidens, and Marcus Fox who took 3-45. Only Phil Geering, who made 36, showed any prowess as Cas' slipped to 112 all out.

Clifton Alliance floundered to an eight-wicket defeat at Scarborough where they were bowled out for 75 by Peter Beard who took 5-21. Karl Theobald hit 44 as the hosts coasted to victory.

Pre-season favourites for divisional honours, Hornsea, have still to prove their pedigree after losing for the second time despite making 193-7 at Hornsea. Paul Clappison cracked 50 as Hornsea raced to 109 off the first 20 overs. Overseas man Dougie Griebenhouw had made 25 when he fell victim to a brilliant stumping by Dave Gilbertson then Dave Prescott made 27. Mike Stothard brought the situation under a measure of control in taking 3-50 but Richard Medforth's unbeaten 27 took Hornsea to just three runs short of maximum batting points. The Wilberfoss batsmen then rose to the occasion with Phil Stothard setting the tone of the innings with 64 before Ian Clish (56no) and Josh Room (40no) saw 'Foss through to stylish eight wicket triumph.

Updated: 12:13 Tuesday, May 07, 2002