HULL Zingari increased their lead at the top of division two to 11 points when they successfully chased a total of 196 for 9 set by Bridlington.

Hull were then taken to victory by Alastair Markham (52), Andy Hamson (53) and Phil Scott (27) but just missed out on the final batting point when the winning hit took them to 199-6.

Harrogate took 27 points from their victory at Bubwith where the home side were dismissed for 134 as Tom Durrance took 3 for 26 and Marcus Fox 4 for 37. Edward Smith, who made 49, was the only Bubwith batsman to show any form.

With 56 overs to get the winning runs, Harrogate made steady progress through Paul Taylor 28 and Durrance 30 but Richard Hunter's 5 for 59 caused some concern before the visitors emerged as victors by a three-wicket margin.

Clifton Alliance had to be happy with second best in a draw against Tadcaster Magnet. Magnet's Russell Parker was in sparkling mood as he raced to 50 off 52 balls and then to three figures off a further 42 deliveries. He eventually fell for 120 but Mick Ransome (25) and Richard Hill (42) kept the scoreboard buzzing as Tadcaster reached 260-7.

Nathan Briggs made 34 and Syd Corley 41 to give Clifton a solid foundation then John Bladen, with 59no, and Tom Malloch, who was unbeaten with 29 helped Clifton to a profitable draw at 194 for 5.

Rowntrees travelled to high-flying Goole Town with a number of regulars missing and did well to emerge with a respectable draw. Batting first, Goole were able to bank all five batting points as Anthony Gibbins who made 41 and Peter Drury and Neil Foster, who each made 34, saw them to 204 for 9. Barry Steel was the best Rowntrees bowler, taking 4 for 30 in six overs.

After the break Richard Tuite made 33 at the top of the order but Neil Foster (4 for 59) and Mark Hinchcliffe (3 for 40) took their toll on the remaining batsmen until Tony Thomson steadied the ship with 33 runs to earn his side a draw at 155 for 9.

Whitkirk just failed to match Castleford's 190 for 9 and had to be satisfied with a draw at 182 for 8.

Scarborough's home game with bottom placed Civil Service was abandoned just after half way because of rain.

Updated: 12:25 Monday, July 09, 2001