STEVE Whisker hit an unbeaten 104 as division five leaders Selby gained a convincing seven wicket victory over Rowntrees, who were being captained for the first time by Chris Todd.

Rowntrees' opening pair of Alan Roberts and Duncan Robertson both made half centuries as they shared an opening stand of 97 before Robertson fell for 53 to a juggling catch at square leg. Roberts soon followed for 54. Spinner Gareth Roberts then took 3 for 20 as the home side's batting went into decline and only a little flurry of runs in the last over enabled Rowntrees to set a target of 186 for 7.

When Selby replied Whisker reigned supreme as he gave only one half chance in moving to his three figure score. Rowntrees limited bowling attack strived hard but once again catching proved to be the weakest link with five chances going begging as Chris Johnson (25) and his 15-year-old son, Philip, who made 37 not out in an unbroken fourth wicket stand of 93, helped their side to a seven-wicket victory with five overs to spare.

Pickering thumped fellow promotion hopefuls Tadcaster Magnet by ten wickets to end their opponents previous unbeaten record.

Ian Johnson set the tone of the match with 6 for 68, Will Curtis supporting with 3 for 24. But Tadcaster were able to make 152 thanks to 50 from Mark Alford and 39 by Richard Taylor.

Pickering's openers knocked off the runs without mishap, Kevin Wilson making 92 not out while Peter Rivis hit an unbeaten 55.

Civil Service ended their losing streak which had seen them gain only one batting point during a sequence of ten successive defeats with an advantage draw over Wilberfoss.

Darren Hanley hit his side's highest score of the season when he made 92 then Tim Jarvis made 35 before former Osbaldwick player Mike Thompson iced the cake with his maiden half century as he hit 53 of just 24 deliveries to take Service to 211 for 5. Wilberfoss settled for a draw at 126 for 5.

Malton and Old Malton's Wayne Dawson produced the best all-round performance of the day when he followed his unbeaten 114 with 4 for 39 as his team took the full 30 points at Heslington. Malton made 251 for 7.

In Heslington's reply, Paul Raper and Nick James each made 26 but Dawson's spell had them all out for 141.

Pocklington were another side able to bank full batting points when they entertained Cawood and made 203 for 5 before declaring after 40 overs. Gary Milner made 52. Faced with a 50 over innings, Cawood opted for a draw which they achieved with little difficulty as Bob Paddison 54 and Miles Taylor 26 enabled them to reach 153 for 4.

Updated: 12:25 Monday, July 09, 2001