MALTON & Old Malton moved up to fourth in the Hunters York & District Senior Cricket League premier division after an eight-wicket win against Pickering at the Recreation Ground.

Adam Spaven (5-20), no doubt encouraged by 4-34 against Hull Zingari last week, went one better this time landing a five-wicket haul.

He and Ryan Gaughan (3-35) combined to bowl out the hosts for 117, Ryan Boyes the leading run scorer with 40.

Shaun Harland and Michael Linsley were both dismissed for 31 for the visitors, before Matthew Turnbull ensured there would be no further alarms with an unbeaten 38.

Leaders Driffield Town also took full advantage of some geographical good fortune to stretch their lead at the top on a day when rain dominated the weather picture in most of the region.

The match at Kings Mill Road was subject to a delayed start but the hosts' opening pair took less than 17 overs when their turn came to bat to wrap up a commanding 10-wicket win over promotion rivals Studley Royal.

Alec Drury (64no) and Grant Halder (42no) securing the victory with an unbroken partnership of 118.

Drury's half-century came up off only 43 balls and was the sixth time this season he has passed fifty.

The duo's efforts came in response to the visitors’ innings which was dominated from the 26th over onwards by Nick Hardgrave, who finished with figures of 6-22.

The visitors had reached 92-3 when he struck for the first time, but the next six wickets added only 25.

Opener Mike Fleming batted almost the entire innings in making 73 of his side's total, Oliver Simenacz (14) the only other to reach double figures.

Town's nearest rivals Acomb were due to take on near neighbours York but the match which would have seen second pitched against third was one of three lost to the weather.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge's trip to Hull Zingari and Easingwold's visit to Whitkirk suffered the same fate.

Six wickets from Connor Stephenson (6-42) might have left bottom of the table Beverley Town hoping for rain as the visitors slumped to 82 all out and an eventual fourth straight defeat, this latest setback coming away at Folkton & Flixton.

The home side stumbled in reply. Matthew Saint (3-37) was responsible for three of the four wickets they lost in the chase before Will Hutchinson saw them over the line with an unbeaten 31, victory halting the decline of a five-match winless run.