NORWICH Union wrapped up the HPH York Vale Cricket League division one title by smashing British Sugar.

The factory side were shot out for just 64, David Johnson (5-5) and Simon Cook (3-9) doing the business. Matt Phillips then wasted no time in reaching 36no in guiding Union home by nine wickets.

Askham Bryan YPO finished as bridesmaids, completing their programme with a 71-run victory over Tollerton Outlaws.

Andy Sturdy crafted a splendid 88 from Askham's 178-7 while some excellent catches backed up the bowling of Outlaw wicketkeeper Gary Raper.

Mike Hamshere (4-42) came in for some tap as Pete Clark (23) and Pete Bainbridge (28) put on 51 for the ninth wicket in only 13 balls but Askham had the last word.

North Duffield's Roger Johnstone (50) and Trev Brittain (62) shared a partnership of 86 for the second wicket against Drax. Only Rich Ounsley's 4-44 kept the Duffield batsmen tied down to 169-7. Keith Powell then hit 47 to start the innings off well for Drax but it was left to Gary Slaywe (29no) and Ian Goulden (30no) to steer their side home by four wickets.

Bishopthorpe's batsmen finally found some form as they dispatched Stockton and Hopgrove for 208-6. Colin Markham (43) and Will Reynolds (66) put on 126 for the second wicket.

Stockton made a good effort of their target with Pete Fairclough (54) and Rich Kerrison (46) the main contributors in a total of 190-9. Dave Gardiner took 4-44 for Bishopthorpe.

Fulfordgate scored 165 against Westow with Steve Rose hitting 43 and Mal Pepper 37. A splendid 64 from Neil Earle aided by 37no from Elliott Taylor eased Westow home by four wickets.

Wheldrake gave Kelfield a ten-wicket mauling in division two. The only Kelfield batsman to get going was Steve Schofield with 41no. Their total of 113-5 was passed with ease thanks mainly to Adam Carter's 81no.

Thixendale bowled out Ben Johnson for just 117 with Ade Brader taking 4-18 and Dave Tyler claimed 3-27. Not even a 61-run partnership between Les Milburn (31) and Graham Lyndsey (29) could prevent Thixendale tumbling to 110 all out.

Copmanthorpe's total of 198-8 was achieved by Dave Purdy (48) and Charles Mitton (40). But once Hirst United's openers, Phil Andrew (36) and Tom Smith (35), were out the innings fell apart to 129-6.

Updated: 10:50 Thursday, September 09, 2004