THE Hunters ECB Yorkshire Premier League North looks to heading towards a thrilling climax.

Former leaders Stamford Bridge slipped two places after their match was claimed by the weather, leaving the top three separated by just four points.

Plus, while Easingwold's relegation was confirmed, the trio of clubs battling to avoid joining them are covered by only three points.

Yorkshire Academy took over at the top thanks to victory at Clifton Alliance, where batting proved hard work.

Alex Renton (41) was one of only two batsmen to reach double figures as the home side were bowled out for just 84, Jordan Thompson (3-13) and James Logan (3-19) each being among the wickets.

The visitors also struggled, losing five wickets on the way to their sixth straight win, Bilal Anjum, with his second consecutive half-century, finishing unbeaten on 51.

York climbed into second place after they picked up maximum points against Scarborough at North Marine Road.

The home side had former skipper Neil Elvidge (69) and overseas signing Bradley Scott (32) to thank for their total of 155 after the pair put on 75 for the fifth wicket before both fell to Tom Pringle, who finished with 5-21.

Duncan Snell made history when he became the first batsman to pass 50 in six consecutive innings, on this occasion going on to reach 87 not out, and Chris Booth (31) also chipped in as the visitors won by six wickets.

Stamford Bridge were left frustrated after their match at Kings Mill Road against Driffield Town was abandoned at the halfway stage.

A century from Sam Drury (105) and further contributions from opener Casey Rudd (32) and towards the close by Harry Burnhill (35no) helped the home side reach 224-8.

Dominic Rhodes finished with 4-57 for the visitors, but they were denied the opportunity to bat by the weather bringing to an end a run of ten consecutive victories dating back to the beginning of June.

Easingwold's relegation back down to the York & District Senior League was confirmed when they lost at home to Sheriff Hutton Bridge.

The hosts, needing a victory to keep alive any hope of survival, were bowled out for 151.

Ben Harrison (3-35) continued the form which saw him take five wickets against Driffield Town the previous week after Mark Fisher had done most of the early damage on his way to 5-38. Louis Foxton (53) and Russ Robinson (47) sealed the home side's fate as Bridge ran out winners by six wickets.

Hull remain in the bottom two, despite setting Harrogate a target of 267, thanks in the main to David Barrick (78) and Tim Appleyard (67), who added 115 for the sixth wicket, Cameron O'Donnell being the visitors' leading wicket-taker with 3-38.

The reigning champions' top order all shone as their side won with relative ease to record the third highest successful chase since the competition began.

Jonathan Tattersall (66) and Nick Taylor (61) were the only two batsmen dismissed, leaving skipper George Ross (82no) and Kallen Bond (47no) to complete the victory with six overs to spare.

Woodhouse Grange ended a three-match losing streak with a 38-run victory over relegation- threatened Acomb at The Green.

Mark Bell (4-31) helped restrict the visitors to 197-8, which contained a half-century from their skipper Andrew Bilton and 42 from Steve Burdett.

Chris Suddaby also contributed 31 before going on to take 3-26 as the home side reached 159-8 in reply, Jack Spence being the top scorer with 32 and, despite the loss, the home side picked up two points which may yet prove crucial as they battle to avoid the drop.