Three overseas batsmen took advantage of the hot and sunny conditions to register Costcutter York and District Senior League centuries on Saturday.

Clifton Alliance's Joel Southam hit 137 as his team registered the highest total of the season when they made 296-5 before dismissing Driffield for 165.

At Whitkirk, Mark Selth made 103 as the home side successfully chased a Pocklington score of 214-6 to win by seven wickets, while Stamford Bridge's Mark Owens followed his five for 56 with 105 to inflict a three wicket defeat on Goole Town.

However, the home side still had cause for celebration following the announcement earlier in the day that their long-serving secretary Norman Kirk had been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for 50 years' service to Goole Town Cricket Club.

Everyone connected with the league will warmly welcome this recognition of all the hard work put into local cricket.

With the half-way stage of the season rapidly approaching, all divisions are being tightly contested with the widest leading margin being a mere 27 points, an advantage enjoyed by Easingwold in the Premier Division and Dunnington in division one.

Last year's third division champions, Carlton Towers, lead the second division by six points but this will be increased when the result of their game with Stillington is received.

Heworth II have a similar lead in division three, and New Earswick a nine points advantage in division four, while Cawood head the fifth division with a slender two point margin.

Champions Clifton Alliance stepped up their bid to retain their precious premier division title when they rattled up the highest total of the season before bowling out opposing Driffield to capture the full 30 points on offer.

Aussie Joel Southam hit the day's top individual score of 137 while Darren Barton made 79 and Dave Taylor 25, as Clifton reached 296 for the loss of five wickets.

Ex-Harpham & Gambling player Dave Warkup took a creditable three for 32 for Driffield who were then bowled out for 165 as Mick Knowles grabbed four for 37.

Indian Ankur Sondhi showed his talent in making 60 while Martin Dean's 35 also threatened to prevent a home victory.

Acomb slipped to their first defeat despite a season's best 84 from Sri Lankan Suminda Perera.

His batting enabled Acomb to set a good target for current leaders Easingwold as they reached 194 for nine as Dan Copeland took four for 61 for the hosts.

When Easingwold replied, Jonathan Marwood made 65 before Paul Skilbeck steered the home side to their sixth victory with four wickets in the bank.

New Woodhouse Grange captain Terry Rollock wiped away the late Heworth batting order to capture a season's best of six for 58.

Initially, Heworth made good progress as Australian Nick Fisher made 51 and Ian Smith 46 but things started to go amiss when Chris Mead was run out when a straight drive was deflected onto the wicket leaving him stranded at the non-strikers end.

West Indian spinner Rollock then took control and with two other Heworth batsmen falling to run-outs, the innings closed at 154 all out.

Home bowler Martin Sigsworth hit back with three wickets, eventually closing with three for 62, but Richard Steele made a structured 64 and, with the help of 35 extras, the Grange moved into the top half of the table with a four wicket win.

Two sides who were well in touch with the leaders met at Pickering when Sheriff Hutton Bridge paid their first league visit to the Malton Road ground.

When Pickering batted first, current top batsman Colin Frank made 71 while overseas player Neal Simmonds added 31 and Craig Aconley 26 as the home side pocketed full batting points at 204 for nine.

For the visitors, Mike Smith claimed four for 73 and Shakil Nawaz three for 71 but they then saw home bowler Adie Boyes take control with a damaging spell of six for 35.

However, Bridge skipper Steve Crowder made 59 and his brother Peter 28, and their resistence enabled their side to emerge with a draw at 137 for eight.

Thirsk's Barry Petty re-established himself as the leading wicket taker in the top echelon when his six for 19 sent Osbaldwick tumbling to a 85 run defeat at Thirsk and left the York-based side as the only team without a victory in the division.

Adam Kratzman, who claimed three for 32, and skipper Shaun White, who took three for 47, had posed some problems for the Thirsk batsmen but Dave Greenlay maintained his good form with 47 and, with Kevin Vollans adding 34 and Des Wyrill a cameo 27, the home side took tea with a total of 166 for eight on the board.

After the interval, Petty reigned supreme as he conceded just one run per over in a 19 over spell, sending down nine maidens as no visiting batsman showed any material resistence.

Whitkirk eased their relegation fears with a seven wicket victory over fellow strugglers Pocklington in a high scoring game.

Andy Inns made 58 and Rod Hinch 66 as Pocklington posted a seemingly challenging total of 214 for six.

However, Mark Selth underlined his position as one of the leading run scorers by hitting 103 and then Robert Horner made 83 not out as Whitkirk swept to a convincing seven wicket victory.

Picture-NOT OUT: Heworth batsman Ian Smith survives a leg before wicket appeal by Woodhouse Grange players, led by bowler Paul Grewer. Heworth were eventually all out for 154, with Grange winning the premier division contest by four wickets