Defeats for Sheffield United and Harrogate last weekend threw the Yorkshire ECB County Premier League title race wide open as only four points now separate the four front runners.

As York's skipper, Nigel Durham put it after his side's knife edge victory over United: "We taught them a lesson".

It will be interesting to see how Durham's much improved side frames at Doncaster tomorrow.

It is Harrogate's turn to tackle United at Bawtry Road tomorrow following in York's footsteps and it is vital that 'Gate get the upper hand of the leaders if they are to stake a claim to the title.

Simon Widdup, who scored 95 out of 275-7 against York in a rain interrupted game at the end of last season, returns from Yorkshire duty to lead Doncaster into action against York tomorrow and against Harrogate on Sunday in the Yorkshire League KO Cup.

But the thoughts of Doncaster brings back happy memories for one of York's youngsters, Rob Lancaster, who took 4-91 in 21 overs the last time the two sides met with York's score was on 106-1 after 27 overs.

Simon Mason reached 50no off 51 balls that day with Andrew Kay also unbeaten on 30 before bad light intervened.

The good news for York and Harrogate this weekend is that Shabir Ahmed, who was well on his way to winning the Yorkshire League bowling record last summer when he was recalled for trials at a Pakistani training camp, has still not been released - although I understand from Doncaster that it is likely that he will resume with them possibly next week.

A bowling crisis hit York this week as the unfortunate James Pringle suffered another leg injury.

The Huntington Schoolboy, who has been opening the bowling for York in the Yorkshire League, cracked the inside of his knee cap last year before breaking his ankle playing soccer last season.

Now James is suffering from ligament trouble to his right knee and he could miss the rest of the season.

After his impressive innings against Dunnington last week in the York Senior League, York were hoping to recall Ed Senneck back into the first team at Doncaster, but he is unable to travel, so York are making a late decision as to who should replace Ben Quick who has gone to Barbados for a post graduate holiday.

Scarborough have Appleby-Frodingham as visitors tomorrow with wicket keeper, Graham Wilson returning after damaging a finger two weeks ago, Wilson taking the place of Ashley Lyth, who has been unable to obtain release from Scarborough Football Club to continue playing cricket because of the approaching football season.

Rob Harrison is still not fully match after a shoulder injury so he is turning out for Scarborough's second team.

Heworth II reached the semi final of the Junior Charity Cup when they beat Tadcaster Magnets by 40 runs.

Top scorers for Heworth were Joel Johnson (35), Mark Fratson (27) and Chris Mead (34). Some slick fielding by the Tadcaster players resulted in four run outs as the visitors reached 122 for eight at the close.

In reply, opener M Ransome hit 39 but the Magnets were bowled out for 82 in 13.5 overs.

Scoreboard: Heworth 122 for eight (M Fratson 27, J Johnson 35, C Mead 34, P Downey 1-21, J Weatherill 1-25, R Taylor 2-37) beat Tadcaster Magnets 82 (M Ransome 39, J Johnson 3-3, D Bell 2-14, C J Dunnington 1-13, R Love 2-16).

Acomb's Sri Lankan import Dominda Perera produced an excellent performance as Acomb gained their first win of the East Riding Sunday League campaign.

Pocklington struggled to 135 for eight with only D O'Gram with 35 and Gamble with 40 making any headway. Tim Merrick took two for 26 and Perera two for 21. Acomb then cantered to victory with Paul Hughes, 57 not out and Perera making 45 not out to complete a good day.

At Heworth rain caused the abandonment of the game without a ball being bowled.

Hornsea remained top of the Sunday League's opponents Hull YP were unable to raise a side.

Hull Zingari remain in second place with a good win at Beverley in reduced to 35 overs.

Beverley only made 103 for nine as A Knowles, 4-22, and J Dex, 2-28 kept the shackles tight.

Zingari reached 104-3, with M Knowles 26 and A Markham 21 not out.

PICTURE: ANOTHER BIG TEST: Wicketkeeper and skipper Nigel Durham leads York into the fray against Doncaster hoping to repeat their impressive success over Sheffield United