Acomb have taken over the leadership of the first division of the York and District Senior Cricket League's Indoor League after taking advantage of the inactivity of former pace-setters Rowntrees 'A'.

However, the day belonged to champions, Sheriff Hutton Bridge who won all three of their fixtures, including the important clash with Acomb.

Bridge have moved into second place but their results have enhanced Rowntrees' chances of lifting the title for the first time as they have both games in hand and a superior run average over their rivals.

Woodhouse Grange had a torrid day when they lost all their three games and were only able to make a top score of 66.

Grange's bowlers put up a creditable performance when they bowled Sheriff Hutton Bridge out for 118 with skipper Steve Crowder scoring 29, Mike Smith 25 and Alistair Sinclair 21.

Smith then bowled a mean three overs to take two for eight, while Nick Scaling took two for 10 in his spell as Grange were bowled out for 55.

Grange's game against Acomb followed a similar pattern as Acomb made 129 for 4 and then bowled their opponents out for 66. Richard Sykes top scored for Acomb with 42no, and Andy Tute made an unbeaten 30. James Byford then captured 2 for 16 as Woodhouse contributed three run-outs to their downfall.

Acomb's clash with Sheriff Hutton Bridge was a high-scoring affair.

Early wickets to Graham Oxley had Acomb in some difficulty but Dave Sykes came to the rescue. Tim Merrick (16) helped him to lift the score from 64 for four to 101 before he hit a return catch to part-time bowler Steve Crowder. This left Sykes to do a solo act for the final two overs and he was able to add 32 as he went after Oxley (2-43) to reach an unbeaten 45 and take Acomb to a useful 132 for five.

Bridge openers Peter Crowder and Scaling both reached the retirement mark, then Steve Crowder (28no) hit four sixes in making 28 not out off 16 balls. Scaling returned to complete the task, making 35 not out as Sheriff won by four wickets with 11 balls to spare.

Peter Crowder remained unbeaten with 26 after not being required to resume his innings.

The remaining two games were decidedly low key with Woodhouse Grange only making 55 for five against Tadcaster Magnet, whose six-wicket win off only 21 balls was probably the quickest win in the league's history. Dave Storr made 26 not out off 14 legitimate balls.

Tadcaster found their fortunes reversed when they were pegged to 69 for three against Sheriff Hutton Bridge who made 70 for 1, as they won with two overs to spare. Peter Crowder added another retirement score when he made 29 not out.

Updated: 12:25 Wednesday, February 13, 2002