SHERIFF Hutton Bridge's lead at the top of the Hunters York & District Senior Cricket League Premier Division has increased to 28 points, despite them being held to a draw.
Nearest rivals Woodhouse Grange lost at Dunnington – a result which secured a top-six finish for the home side, leaving just one promotion place to be decided.
The leaders moved a step closer to the title and could have increased their advantage further had it not been for Easingwold’s last-wicket pair. Mark Fisher did his best to secure maximum points for the hosts, finishing with 5-48 as the visitors closed on 172-9, James Postill top-scoring with 59.
Earlier the home side reached 210-8, Paul Scaling’s 33 being the pick of a batting card which showed plenty of players getting starts but none being able to go on as Stephen Piercy picked up 4-53.
Woodhouse Grange’s chances of retaining the title received a setback as they lost by 30 runs, skipper Jack Bolam producing a captain’s innings of 92 for Dunnijngton, with support from Dan Barrett (37) and Adam Iyer (28) as the hosts reached 209-8, Andrew Horner taking 3-37.
With Steve Burdett (37), back at the helm, and previous stand-in skipper Andrew Bilton (48) both in the runs, the total looked under threat but Tom Loten (5-35) and Dave Brent (3-67) combined well to ensure the hosts would be joining their opponents in the Premier League next season.
Acomb put aside their recent disappointments to record a first win in four with a comprehensive victory over bottom side York.
The visitors, led by Joe Dale (77), made an imposing 274-7, Aidan Burton (35no) and Leon Sachs (36) also making the most of the favourable batting conditions, the only bright spot for the home side being Matthew Wright’s 4-64.
David Sykes took 3-26 as the hosts were bowled out for 115, with only Rob Flack (30) offering any real resistance, but they are likely to face a much sterner test next week when they take on Sheriff Hutton Bridge in a match which is likely to have a huge impact on the final destination of the championship.
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