DIVISION three leaders Bolton Percy were held to a draw by Yapham, for whom Dick Wright batted throughout a 47-over innings to make 46 not out, but still increased their lead to 31 points as New Earswick lost narrowly at Wilberfoss.

The top five Bolton batsmen all produced the goods with Jamie Rigby hitting 57, Danny White and Nick Lister 33 apiece, Jamie Snewin 45 and Howard Hall 42no.

Their combined efforts set up a 43rd over declaration with a score of 233-5 showing on the board. Bolton were then thwarted by Wright's steely determination but were heartened by the debut performance of Dale Sanders who took 2-45 in 18 overs.

New Earswick's bowlers gained a five point bonus when they dismissed Wilberfoss for 164 with Paul Stimpson taking 4-26 and Martin Hewitson 4-40.

Dave Chaplin 48 and Julian Atkinson 33 were the pick of the home batsmen and they then saw bowlers Joss Room 5-65 and Adam Lofthouse 3-40 come up trumps by bowling Earswick out for 158 despite handy efforts by Andrew James 43, Craig Stimpson 25 and Andy Routledge 41.

Clifton Alliance moved into second after mounting a successful run chase to overhaul Pickering's 216-5 and win by four wickets.

Chris Hugill was in scintillating form as he hit 134 for the Pikes with team mate Andy Hill adding 47 but a good team effort by the Clifton side stole the honours.

Their batting successes were Andy Mills 35, Tom Malloch 27, Paul Walton 63 and Duncan Naylor, who remained unbeaten with 43. Jason Feaster took 3-55 for the losers.

Bottom-placed Woodhouse Grange pulled off a shock win when they totally overwhelmed an Acomb side whose star is currently on the wane.

Grange were taken to 215-5 as Stuart Craven made 56, Jamie Rudd 66, Russ Bilton 36no and Paul Townsley 42. Rob Littlewood provided the only chink of light for Acomb with 40 but Graham Smith with 3-24 and Dan Izzard, who took 4-9 had his side all out for just 82 to earn Grange their second win of the season and provide a glimmer of hope of avoiding relegation.

Bubwith gained a confident boost when, after being reduced to 83-7 by Wayne Linton (5-72), their tail wagged effectively and they reached 139-9 against Stillington.

Ed Smith and Richard Readman each made 26 for Bubwith who then routed Stillington for a mere 71 as Brian Last ripped out five batsmen for 15 and Jonathon Lane took 3-17. Ben Drummond made an unbeaten 33 but had minimal support from his colleagues.

With their senior side suffering a defeat, Malton & Old Malton's second string suffered a similar fate when they lost by two wickets to Heworth.

Batting first, John Foxton made 25, Shane Bonsor 24 and Andy Tyres 27 in a Malton total of 175 all out. Dave Bell was chief antagonist with 5-27 whereas Jason Gatus took 3-46 before going on to hit a decisive 65. Steve Oldfield fought hard for Malton with 6-39 but Gatus had handy aides in Joe Johnson 32 and Mike Taylor 25 as Heworth reached 176-8.

Updated: 10:03 Monday, July 26, 2004