Copmanthorpe secured the Third Division pennant when beating nearest rivals Stillingfleet by seven wickets.

The 'Fleet made a good start with Rob Murray and Chris Walker putting on 53 for the first wicket.

John Hughes bowled superbly taking 6 for 46, including the opening duo. Kevin Ryder's 4 for 27 included Chris Woodfine the only other of the 'Fleet batsmen to show much resistance.

Cop lost Dave Purdy for his first duck of the season but an unbeaten half-century from Peter Northfield clinched the title.

'Fleet's demise opened up the race for the second promotion slot.

North Duffield are two points in front of Escrick Park having being involved in a remarkable tie with Hirst United.

Duffield's innings toiled with David Beilby and Mark Stockdale top scoring with 20 each as Dean Howsham collected 6 for 9, incluing a hat trick.

Hirst were well placed chasing the 100 they needed for victory with Mark Miller hitting 38 as Neil Fensome collected 5 for 38.

Destiny was with Hirst on 99 for 7.

But then came a bizarre finale. Going for a second and winning run Rob Cole was out to a direct throw and John Patrick took the last two wickets in the next two balls.

Coincidentally both innings closed with the last three wickets all falling with the scores at 99.

Tollerton were confirmed champions of the fourth division in their first season in the League when Bishopthorpe were unable to fulfil the fixture.

The match of the day was at the University where the Staff entertained Burton Salmon.

Pete O'Brien (46) and Mark Dusheiko (35) gave the Staff a good start with an opening partnership of 87 and Gordon Finlayson hit 54 in the 189 for 6 total.

Burton kept losing wickets regularly, teetering on 109 for 6. Skipper Colin Driscoll, back from injury, launched a savage onslaught of 48 from just 18 balls.

But once he fell to Dusheiko it was left for Finlayson (3 for 36) and O'Brien (2 for 49) to mop up the tail. Everything depends on the last games for both teams as to who will gain promotion.

Heworth made a big step towards securing their place with a good win at Selby which leaves the home side facing the possibility of relegation for a second successive season.

Antony Rogers (44) and John Bonarius (29) progressed to 47 before the latter was dismissed. John Dale 52no helped Rogers put on 83 for the second wicket as Heworth totalled 170 for 2.

Jonathon Elsegood was just too good for Selby, taking 7 for 25, as Selby fell for 102. Only Andy Usher prospered with a 46 that included four successive sixes.