COWARD'S way ruled for HPH York Vale Cricket League division one front-runners North Duffield.

They overcame a belligerent British Sugar side by three wickets thanks to a fine all-round show by captain Chris Coward.

Sugar took first knock and posted 172-9. Mark Lovedale top-scored with 68 but the total was kept in check by Coward's late 5-40 haul. He then produced 40 to add to Dave Bielby's 78 not out to steer Duffield to victory.

Bishopthorpe's Aussie Chris Moores hit 117. His opening ally Andy Walton Knowles chipped in with 61 to total 237-7 against Askham Bryan YPO. Ian Holmes (3-9) then routed the top order and Paul Mizon polished off the tail to bowl out Askham for 85.

Copmanthorpe stand tall at the top of division two after beating Stillingfleet. Adam Moseley was the star of the show as he took 7-30 to send Stillingfleet to 103 all out, Wayne Livsey the main resistance with 37. Andy Northfield then led the reply with 62 as Cop won by six wickets.

Tony Hinch was the only Hirst thorn in York's side, his 41 being the only score of note in Hirst's 79 all out. John Sharpe (5-27) and Robert Hobson (4-23) did the damage. Ben Horseman hit 38 as York edged to a five-wicket win.

In a division three run-glut at York University Staff, the hosts rattled up 199-6, the returning Jim Watt top-scoring with 59no, against Malton and Old Malton.

James Baxter then led the chase with 61. He was ably supported by Simon Cass (42) and Chris Smith (39) as Malton won by three wickets.

A Northern light shone for Thorpe Willoughby. They thrashed 253-4 against Wistow led by Granville North's magnificent 112. North then plundered 3-16 as Wistow collapsed to 87.

Another ace all-round show was enjoyed by Max Driscoll for Burton Salmon against Ovington.

First he took 7-49 from Ovington's 98 all out before then striking an unbeaten 61 as Burton triumphed by ten wickets.

Wheldrake amassed 177-9 in their division five encounter with Burn, Simon Carding top-scoring on 51.

Aidan Prescott senior kept the Burn innings together with 48no but a score of 139-9 proved too little.

Thorpe Willoughby were overpowered by Sheriff Hutton. Despite 33 from Pete Masterman, Steve Warriner's 3-8 ended the Thorpe resistance at 76 all out. Tony Hull then smacked 39no for a nine-wicket triumph.

Updated: 10:55 Thursday, May 26, 2005