Rowntree 'A' gained a shock win over first division pacesetters Sheriff Hutton Bridge in the York Brewery Indoor Cricket Knockout Competition.

Second division Thirsk also gained an upset as they knocked out two first division sides as the first two semi-finals emerged on a day of shock results.

The two Rowntree sides were in opposition in the opening game of the competition with the 'A' team emerging as victors by 28 runs.

The 'B' team were missing three regulars through illness and were only able to field five players.

The 'A' team skipper Mike Shirley paid the price for generously allowing a substitute fielder when he was run out by the stand-in before scoring, but Dave Thompson with an unbeaten 27 and Paul Harrison (25) saw the 'A' team into a strong position at 151 for four.

The 'B' team received a handicap start of 20 runs and made a good challenge as skipper Kev Palmer cracked 50. However, Dominic Atkinson claimed two for 25 and ended the challenge as the innings finished on 123.

Rowntree 'A' were in immediate action again when the took the first innings against an unbeaten Sheriff Hutton Bridge side who have completed wins over all the other first division sides to go clear at the head of the first division.

Rowntree produced a good all-round batting performance with Nick Sedgewick making 35, Mike Shirley 30, Paul Horner 29 and Dave Thompson 26 to post a total of 130 for five.

When the Bridge replied, Paul Horner took two for 16 and the reply depended on skipper Steve Crowder who made a fighting 48 before his side were bowled out for 93 to lose by 46 runs.

First division bottom placed Tadcaster Magnets were required to give lowly second division side Thirsk 20 runs start under the competition's handicap rule and this proved to be a decisive burden.

Tyrone Naude made 37 and Mick Cowling 26 for Magnet but Dean Bramley's three for 19 had them all out.

Thirsk's innings was given a good start by Oliver Grant who made 27 then skipper Des Wyrill took his side to a four wicket victory with an unbeaten 22.

Thirsk then batted first against first division opposition in Stamford Bridge. This time Grant made 35, Wyrill 31 and Bramely 29 as a total of 134 for three was accrued.

For Stamford Stuart Green made 28 and Ian Fraser 22 not out but they were only able to make 94 for five as Thirsk claimed a second first division scalp to clinch a place in the semi-final.