Hunters the estate agent York and District Senior League division three leaders Bolton Percy opted for a draw to deny points to one of their main challengers Clifton Alliance, who were led by Old Perconian Duncan Naylor.

Andy Mills hit 66 for Alliance and Chris Dower 24. Jamie Snewin took 5-57 for Bolton but Clifton's score gained a boost from a somewhat unexpected source when number ten batsman Dave Heartshorne made a useful 21no to take his side to 192 all out.

In reply Nick Lister made 49 as Dower claimed 3-33 but Bolton moved to a draw at 154-7 to remain 19 points ahead of second-placed New Earswick and a further six points ahead of their opponents.

New Earswick had minimal difficulty in overcoming a Bubwith side who were dismissed for 124 by Andy Freeman (4-41) and Martin Hewitson (3-15). Simon Lazenby top scored with 27.

Earswick were then taken to an eight wicket win by the James brothers for Sydney, Michael scoring 52no and Andrew 45.

Stillington grabbed a lifeline when they gained a tense one wicket win which dented the promotion hopes of Wilberfoss, who were bowled out for 92 by Wayne Linton (4-31) and new signing Tariq Rashid (4-20). No batsman on either side merited a mention as Stillington crept to victory at 93-9.

There was a tense draw at Acomb, where the home side closed on 143-8 after Malton had opened with 146-9.

John Foxton carried the visitors' batting with 47 as James Byford took 3-36 and Richard Clayton 3-43. Clayton then followed with 52 and John Renshaw made 30, but Dave Bradshaw kept his side on top with a 6-36 return.

Grange's fellow strugglers Yapham also gained a nine wicket win when they beat Pickering on a sunny afternoon in East Yorkshire.

Veteran pace bowler Nigel West was in fine form for the home side as he took 7-50 in 15 overs as the Pikes were all out for 144 in 42.5 overs. Their runs came from two sources, Andy Hill making 61 and Sam Thackray 46.

When Yapham responded Barry Pearson fell for 27 but Dick Wright (50no) and Sam Rees (51no) were in dominant mood as they fashioned a nine wicket win in just 25.3 overs.

Updated: 11:23 Monday, August 02, 2004