WOODHOUSE Grange batting star Nick Hadfield became the first player to score three successive centuries in the Hunters the estate agent York and District Senior Cricket League premier division when he hit 116 against Malton & Old Malton.

Hadfield, who had made a century against the same opposition when the teams met in the League Cup, followed scores of 102 against Easingwold and 109 against Acomb with 116 as he notched his fourth premier division century of the season.

The in-form batsman added 110 for the second wicket with Simon Dwyer who made 43. Tom Quinn put the game beyond Malton's reach by crashing six sixes as he raced to 41 off only 12 balls.

Dan Foxton had a creditable 5-83 for Malton, who were restricted to 185-8 by 16-year-old spinner Andy Bilton, whose 5-45 was his first five-wicket haul in the division.

Bottom club Osbaldwick suffered a heavy defeat at Dunnington where they were only able to make 129-9 in their 50 overs as Collis King took 5-27 and Simon Kellett 3-47. Dunnington then sailed home by nine wickets with Hamed Khan making 46no and Masood Asim Butt 59no.

Two batsmen produced career bests at Sheriff Hutton Bridge where visiting Heworth had by far the better of a draw.

Heworth's Richard Bowling recorded his first premier division ton when he made an unbeaten 107. With overseas man Colin de Grandhomme hitting 79 and Dave Simpson 44 Bridge conceded their highest-ever total as Heworth racked up 277-3.

Paul Oldfield (31) and Ian Clish (26) gave their side a good start but four wickets then fell cheaply before teenagers Adam Fisher and Alistair Sinclair joined together in a fifth wicket stand of 85. Fisher was out for 54 but Sinclair went on to help his side draw at 184-5, remaining unbeaten with 46 as de Grandhomme claimed 3-19.

Easingwold's hopes of building on their exciting win a week ago against Dunnington and progressing their bid to retain the title took a massive blow when they suffered a two-wicket defeat at Beverley Town.

Andrew Dawson made 70 and Dan Copeland 28 but Easingwold were dismissed for a below par 196 with Peter Parnaby taking 3-27.

The home side's reply was masterminded by James Hodgson (85), who added another impressive performance to his CV following his move from Kent. With Peter Groves adding 42, Beverley were able to reach their goal for the loss of eight wickets despite Paul Skilbeck taking 4-50 for the champions.

Pickering improved their survival chances when they took 26 points from a closely fought draw with Acomb whose innings ended seven runs short of a victorious total.

Pickering's old hands delivered the goods with Mark Shepherd making 52 and Colin Frank 45.

Dave Sykes took 3-69 and Andy Tute 3-39 but an unbeaten 24 from Simon King was to be a decisive factor as it raised Pickering's total to 177-7.

Acomb's response of 171-8 was built around Scott Nicholls (45) and Richard Sykes (37) but a 4-23 return by Charlie Marwood just kept Pickering's nose in front.

Clifton Alliance maintained their useful 41-point lead and at the same time cut back Sessay's challenge when they passed the villagers' total of 208-7 with five wickets intact.

Sessay enjoyed a 94-run opening stand between Nick Harrison (42) and Matt Till (49) but then slipped to 136-5 as spinners Alex Renton (3-54) and John Hunter (3-62) weaved their spells.

The home innings was revived by John Flintoff whose unbeaten 44 saw his side reach 208-7.

Dave Taylor then continued his profitable season with 88 as, with John Hunter continuing to irk the hosts by making an unbeaten 65, Clifton recorded their seventh win of the campaign.

Updated: 09:53 Monday, July 18, 2005