ONE of the highlights of division four was a wicketkeeping appearance by 10-year-old Johnny Bairstow for Dunnington II.

The son of the late David Bairstow, the youngster looked a natural behind the stumps.

However, young Bairstow could not prevent his side from losing by 31 runs to Dringhouses, who lifted themselves out of the three club relegation zone.

Ray Klarik (61) hit a timely half century for Dringhouses, whose cause was furthered by Geoff Smith (34) and Brendon Walsh, who made 25no. For Dunnington, Steve Whittaker took 4 for 56 and Dudley Cooper 3 for 26 with Dringhouses reaching 167 for 7.

When Dunnington batted, 14-year-old Ben Hough scored a mature 51 but had no support from his team mates who capitulated to 136 all out against the bowling of Dave Todd with 5 for 45 and John Lohan 3 for 28.

The top two sides in the division met at Huby where the second placed hosts gained some satisfaction in beating Yapham, who had already ensured the only promotion place.

Dick Wright scored half of Yapham's runs as he made 83 out of 165 for 9. Darren Howell hit 75 as Huby ran out winners at 166-6.

Carlton Towers still have a faint chance of avoiding relegation but were denied extra valuable points when Acomb made a draw at 131 for 7. Carlton had posted 157 for 9.

Easingwold's long-serving Kevin Smith scored a season's best 70 not out as he shared an unbroken stand of 141 with Alan Robinson (69no) which took Easingwold to an eight-wicket victory over Sheriff Hutton.

Simon Brisby, making one of his rare appearances for Sheriff Hutton, hit 71 as he counteracted the bowling of Gavin Rees (5 for 58) to help Sheriff reach 146 for 9. Richard Armitage then reduced Easingwold to 10 for 2 but Smith and Robinson then took control.

Thirsk failed to hit a victorious six off the final ball at Huntington.

Huntington lost five wickets for only 35 and a sixth at 48. Dean Walton 26 and Steve Beales, who in making 35 continued his emergence as an all-rounder, then lifted home fortunes and Huntington were able to make 142 all out. Andrew Chandler had 6 for 67 for Thirsk.

In reply, Glen Palliser made 28, Ed Willey 31 and skipper Mal Harper 33 but Wally Baynes took 4 for 64 and Beales 4 for 66 to reduce Thirsk to 137 for 8 at the close Beales has now claimed over 80 wickets and will be looking to create a new record in the final game of the season.

Sixteen-year-old Richard Coverd-ale combined with Steve Glaves to dismiss Thorp Arch and Boston Spa for 114 at Sheriff Hutton Bridge.

Coverdale took 6 for 41 while Glaves plugged away for 21.3 overs to capture 4 for 49.

Bridge reached a cosy victory when skipper Craig Hunter made 45 and Vic Klays 26 in their winning 118-3.