The two-wicket victory gained by division four leaders Sheriff Hutton Bridge over Harrogate was a two-man affair as Dave Ellis and Eddie Hull led the way.

New signing Philip Raikes, from Pool Cricket Club, made an instant impression for bottom-placed Harrogate with 43, but his side were dismissed for 165 as Ellis claimed 3-47 and Hull 4-26.

Neil McClelland responded with 4-32, but the two experienced Bridge men again figured. Ellis made 43 and Hull 33 as Bridge reached their goal for the loss of eight wickets.

Huby's promotion bid lost ground when their game at Woodhouse Grange was a non-starter due to waterlogged conditions, while third-placed York III also lost ground when Castleford managed to hang on for a draw.

Teenager Ben Horseman top-scored for York with 62 while Rob Lancaster (29) and Simon Jones (26) helped post a total of 152-8.

This proved beyond the capabilities of Castleford, even though Adam Slater made 56. With K Ahmed taking 4-31, York claimed eight wickets before Castleford reached a draw at 107-8.

In division six, Wilberfoss pulled off a fine victory at Civil Service where, due to non-availability of players, they were forced to field several juniors in order to fulfil the fixture.

Their faith was well rewarded when two 13-year-olds, Andrew Healey and Dan Poole, each took two wickets, as did 14-year-old Dan Davies.

With 15-year-old Tom Johnson and 12-year-old Ross Etherington each taking one wicket, Service were dismissed for 92.

Veteran Geoff Room then took his side to a nine-wicket victory by making 52.

There was a tense finish at Carlton Towers, where the home side's final pair had to hold out for a draw against Cawood after they had thrown away a seemingly winning position.

Only John Stonehouse of the Cawood batsmen mastered the rain affected conditions as he made an unbeaten 38 to help his side reach 116-7.

Home bowlers Robert Haw, with 3-38, and Richard Cowling (3-37) took the honours.

Carlton then moved to 97-5 and, with four overs remaining, had high hopes of victory before the loss of four more wickets plunged them into crisis. Fortunately, Stephen Still was able to make 25 not out and steer his side to a draw at 103-9.