Malton & Old Malton regained their momentum in their bid for the first division title in Hunters the estate agent York and District Senior League when they entertained and defeated Driffield.

The visitors made a first innings total of 168-8 with 15-year-old Jason Hatto hitting a superb 78. Dave Woodcock added 40. Danny Foxton's 3-18 was the best bowling return. Foxton, with 29, and Greg Johnson (28) were among the four Malton casualties before Ryan Bulger steered his side home by six wickets with an unbeaten 58.

Osbaldwick lost a measure of ground when they drew in a high scoring game at Pocklington, where the home side came close to knocking off a target of 227-9.

Richie Carew (29) and Mark Thompson (27) made early runs for Osbaldwick, with their start being built on by Ian Wilson (63) and Dave Thompson, who was unbeaten with 60. Richard Foster took 4-71.

Pocklington mounted a spirited response which was led by Rod Hinch. Chris Gladstone (31) and Adam Thomas (25) helped to ward off Shaun White's 4-61 and Pocklington looked set to snatch a dramatic win.

However, this failed to materialise when two batsmen were caught on the boundary in the final over, one of these being Rod Hinch who perished for 96 in a death or glory display which left Pocklington on 218-8.

Carlton Towers rejuvenated their promotion challenge with a 76 run victory over Duncombe Park despite having to bat first.

Skipper Lee Hanson hit 72, Paul Wright 58 and Jonathon Dilks an unbeaten 35 as Carlton posted 235-6. David Gardner (37) and Brian Leckenby (44) figured in Park's reply, but Indian bowler Abhay Sharma took 4-25 to close the Park on 159 all out.

Hull Zingari's promotion bid floundered at Tadcaster, where Magnet were another first innings winner.

Chris Malthouse made 39 and Richard Cattle 27no in Taddy's 164-6. In reply M Bunn made 31 and Ali Markham 39, but Tadcaster had a trio of effective bowlers in Paul Downey (3-40), Matt Keel, who took 4-15 in 11 mean overs, and Greg Strydom, whose 3-22 included a winning last wicket off the second ball of the final over which had Zingari all out for 132.

Updated: 11:24 Monday, August 02, 2004