Scarborough head the second division by just two points after beating a Castleford side whose first innings total of 129 for 9 was never likely to be sufficient.

Cas were troubled by Andy Welford who took 4 for 19 and then found Mark Welford also in good form as he made 58. With Dave Morris making an unbeaten 41, Scarborough ran out comfortable victors at 132 for 2.

The game between Bubwith and Bridlington was reduced to 40 overs per side when the wet ground conditions delayed the start. When the match got underway, Brian Rudd made 56 and Edward Pockley 41 to help reach a total of 142 for 6.

Bubwith made the worst possible start to their reply when they lost two wickets before a run was scored. Neil Readman 33 and Richard Hunter 29 improved the situation but Glen McHale 3 for 42 and Stephen Briggs 3 for 25 caused problems before the home side managed to gain a two-wicket victory with one ball to spare and move into second place.

Only Gerry Capelin, who made 38, made runs as Rowntrees paid their first visit to the Hull Zingari ground. His team-mates floundered as Andy Hamson took 5 for 30 and 17-year-old Anthony Knowles 3 for 5 as the visitors were dismissed for 97.

owntrees paceman Dave Thompson hit back with 3 for 27 but 15-year-old Peter Shally made an impressive 38 and his side eventually emerged as four-wicket winners.

Harrogate improved their league position when they returned from their trip to Clifton Alliance with a six-wicket victory. Simon Dwyer celebrated his return to the Clifton line-up after a spell with Woodhouse Grange by hitting 51 and his score was mirrored by Sid Corley. Their efforts enabled Alliance to reach 164 for 9 despite Jim Cropper's 3-35.

After the break, Adam Taylor hit 33 as Harrogate lost four wickets but Andy Bradwell with 49no and Alex Boyle, who made an unbeaten 42, steered the St George's Road side to victory without further mishap.

Concerns for the welfare of the Civil Service club continued to grow when, with only 18 players available, they chose to field two nine-men teams and inevitably, suffered two more defeats.

Batting first at Goole, they were dismissed for only 71 as Richard Mann took 3 for 23 and Dave England 3 for 26 with only Mick Bradley, who made 25, emerging with any credit. Goole then cruised to an eight wicket victory.

The Whitkirk v Tadcaster Magnet result has not been submitted.

Updated: 11:54 Tuesday, May 29, 2001