YORK III climbed to the top of Hunters York & Distict Senior Cricket League division two north despite only managing a winning draw with Sheriff Hutton Bridge.

Half-centuries from Ben Horseman (87) and Toby Giddings (62) helped the visitors post 229-6. Horseman (4-21) returned with the ball to reduce SHB to 156-9 as they clung on to secure a draw thanks to an unbeaten half-century from Steven Crowder.

York replaced former leaders Selby, who fell to a 23-run defeat to fifth-placed Londesborough Park.

Londesborough set a competitive 197-5 with Phillip Stothard hitting 65. Selby were pegged back by Darren Moody (3-46) and Tom Sowersby (3-35).

Third-placed Harrogate kept pace with the top two with a comprehensive 76-run victory over Thirsk.

Lowly Thirsk invited their visitors to bat and, despite Harry Collinson’s 3-9, they posted 186 all out, with Nick Taylor (48) top scoring.

Rob Stanworth (4-12) and Ben Bartlett (4-24) helped the visitors to restrict their struggling hosts to 110.

Clifton Alliance racked up a 115-run victory over Duncombe Park.

A well-timed 42 from opener Hayden Bradley got the ball rolling for Clifton before Jason Gatus added a quick-fire 72 from 66 balls including eight fours and four sixes as the hosts posted 248 all out.

Ryan Turner then claimed four quick wickets on his way to figures of 4-39 to leave the visitors teetering on 84-5. Barry Wheldon hit a late 38 before becoming the last of Daniel Snook’s (3-34) three wickets as the hosts won with nine overs to spare.

Easingwold secured their first victory of the season with a four-wicket win over Acomb.

Three-wicket hauls from Andrew Metcalfe (3-36) and Tom Langstaff (3-39) helped restrict the hosts to 188-8 despite a fine 66 from Matthew Dickenson.

The visitors grabbed victory with four overs remaining largely thanks to an unbeaten 82 from Luke Ramsay.

Hovingham remain winless after losing to Ripon by five wickets.

Hovingham posted a below-par 150 all out, with Joshua Blades (3-41) and Matthew Morton (3-15) doing the damage. In reply, Elliott Oates struck an unbeaten 59 to guide his side to victory with five overs remaining.