NORWICH Union retained their HPH York Vale Cricket League division one title in style, hitting a massive six to clinch a nine-wicket win over British Sugar.

Drax pipped North Duffield for third place winning a tense encounter by four wickets in a tense encounter.

Fulfordgate finished with the wooden spoon despite a gutsy batting performance against Westow.

The main issues of promotion and relegation in the second division have been settled. Burn and Wheldrake were promoted, while Burton Salmon and Ovington were relegated despite the latter turning in another stirring performance to beat Stillingfleet by one wicket.

Heworth struggled at Woodhouse Grange before a two-wicket win confirmed their third division title. Meanwhile, York hammered neighbours Clifton Alliance to also gain promotion.

Askham Bryan YPO and Drax were relegated despite the Drax outfit's five-wicket win at Wistow.

Acomb had to dig deep to overcome relegated Burn to wrap up the fourth division title. Bishopthorpe were too strong for Tadcaster Magnet and finished second after their seven-wicket win.

Ovington finished on a high as division five champions with maximum points against bottom club Selby.

Copmanthorpe also gained promotion after their 34-run win at Sheriff Hutton.

Updated: 11:49 Monday, September 06, 2004