DUNNINGTON seized the initiative in the Hunters York & District Senior League Premier Division title race with victory over Malton & Old Malton as nearest rivals York faltered at Easingwold.

Moin Ashraf (3-35) and Luke Kilby (3-24) were among the wickets as the leaders bowled out their hosts for 132. Adam Sutcliffe got the reply off to a solid start with 41 before George Drury (53no) sealed a sixth consecutive victory with an unbeaten half-century to extend their advantage at the top to 48 points.

Long-time leaders York suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time this season after they were all out for just 74 against Easingwold at Back Lane.

James Postill (4-21) and Paul Skilbeck (6-24) shared all of the wickets for the home side, who were always in control with Toby Giddings (26no) one of only two batsmen to reach double figures.

Three wickets from Matthew Hodsdon (3-26) ensured the hosts didn't have things all their own way before they reached the target at the start of the 18th over.

Whitkirk remain third but were denied the opportunity to make up further ground on second-placed York when rain curtailed their home match against Hull & Zingari, with the visitors in all kinds of trouble at 94-7, with Gary Abdoll having top-scored with 34.

Hosts Studley Royal's last-wicket pair hung on for a draw against Beverley Town after the visitors looked on course to pick up a third straight victory.

The visitors, led by Gregory Whyley's half-century, reached 230-6, which also included notable contributions from Harry Gamble (43), Olly Grantham (47) and Michael Cooke (45no).

James Clarkson and Rob Mackle both responded with 30 as Matthew Mudd took 3-48 but neither he, Bradley Graham or Jamie Roe, who finished with two each, could capture the final wicket.

Keiran Bowes match-winning return of 8-22 condemned Bolton Percy to a third consecutive defeat, allowing his Pickering side to ease their own relegation worries.

Colin Frank struck an unbeaten 64 as the hosts scored 229-8 against the competition's bottom side, Dave Greenlay (36), Mike Brown (32) and Ryan Taylor (31) also contributing, while Tom Anderson (3-57) provided one of the few bright spots for the visitors before they were bowled out for just 64 in their latest disappointing batting performance.

Relegation-threatened Driffeld Town's plight worsened as their loss for the sixth week in a row coincided with Pickering's victory at Bolton Percy.

Wickets from Jamie Nesfield (6-45) and Rich Malthouse (3-36) helped dismiss Town for 138, Nicky Johnson top-scoring with 27.

There was little doubt over the result after Matthew Nesfield made 40 of the required target, leaving Tom Norman to see the hosts home with an unbeaten 55.