AFTER being presented with the division one trophy prior to the game, Malton's batsmen celebrated in style against Whitkirk.

The Leeds side were delayed by the heavy A64 traffic and Malton opted to bat first.

After an early setback, the Johnson brothers embarked on a fruitful second-wicket stand which had reached 194 when Neil Johnson was dismissed for 81. Brother Greg continued to prosper and had made a career-best 145no as Malton made their highest total of 255-4.

Whitkirk were then put into a spin by Ryan Bulger, whose fine figures of 8-57 skittled Whitkirk for 127.

It took Bulger to 83 wickets in the season, leaving him needing five wickets in the final game to beat the divisional best of 87 by Sam Lawrence in 1959 and seven wickets behind John Gibson's all-time best of 90 in division five in 1992.

Osbaldwick put themselves in line for promotion with a victory, Carlton Towers kept well in touch with an advantage draw while Hull Zingari lost ground with the worst of a draw.

Osbaldwick's profitable trip to Hornsea's saw them win by four wickets. Jonathon Fisher had a good game for the Seasiders, making 75 and taking 3-14 but lacked any viable support in either the batting or bowling departments. His efforts were countered by Glen Jones who made 36 and took 5-49 as he and Steve Young (3-13) dismissed Hornsea for 128. Other runs for the winners came from Steve Jackson (25) and Steve Leveson who was undefeated with 30.

Carlton Towers hit a big score when they were obliged to bat first against visiting Tadcaster Magnet.

Skipper Lee Hanson led from the front with 86, while Kevin Waites made 41no before a 46th-over declaration ended the run feast at 259-8. Greg Strydom with 3-73 and Paul Clark (4-76) were Magnet's top bowlers before Dave Lord (52) and Martin Lambert (44) saw Tadcaster safely to a draw at 192-8 despite a sterling effort from John McHale, who took 5-57.

Updated: 11:27 Monday, September 06, 2004