With their two nearest rivals both losing, Carlton Towers have opened a 64 point gap in Costcutter York and District Senior League division two and are odds-on favourites to add this title to their third division honours of last year.

Carlton's star batsman Stuart Coleman was absent from their ranks due to an injury, although he was able to take his place in the club's second XI.

Hovingham, the hosts, were looking for their first win of the season and seemed to be likely to achieve their aim when Stuart Prest and Richie Brown each hit 61 to mount a total of 190-6.

Carlton's batsmen then responded well and the Humberside were able to gain their eighth triumph by a three wicket margin.

Paul Wright made the top score, hitting 54, while Peter Hoyle 48 and Richard Watson 31 kept up the momentum before an unbeaten 27 from Stephen Townend settled the issue.

Second-placed Bubwith suffered a shock home defeat when Woodhouse Grange II grabbed their first victory of the season by successfully defending their total of 148 in a 42 over game.

Dave Langton made 39 for Grange as David Stephenson claimed 4-27.

In reply, Jonathan Hanley made 40 and Simon Lazenby 36 but Graham Smith (3-33) and Ashley Quinn (3-29) tool the honours as Bubwith slipped to 126 all out.

Clifton Alliance started the day in third place but their eight wicket defeat by Stillington sent them down to seventh place.

For Alliance, Paul Atkinson made 38 and Nathan Briggs 33 in their total of 158-9, which was easily overtaken when Collis King made 92 and Barry Milburn 49, to take Stillington to an eight wicket win.

Harrogate have moved into second place despite being denied outright victory by bottom placed Osbaldwick. South African Neal Levenson made 46 and Richard Hutchinson an unbeaten 58 as Harrogate reached 161-4 in their allotted 40 overs. Osbaldwick then replied with 102-7.

Bridlington had a three wicket home triumph over Scarborough, whose Andy Holden followed his 40 with 3-34. Tim Watts made 65 not out as Scarborough reached 150-7, then Gareth Barnard took 3-57 in bowling support for Holden.

Bridlington's Glen McHale took 4-50 then their batsmen Dave Watson (41) and Robin Kellock (33) pressed home the advantage.

Former Staxton player Christian Soulsby celebrated his promotion to Rowntree's first team by making a top score of 37 not out against Castleford.

Dave Thompson added 28 as Ray Bresnan captured 4-48.

Castleford were then bowled out for 100 as Paul Horner took 4-40 and their 51 run defeat has seen the League newcomers slump from their heady early season heights to eighth in the division.