WITH the top two division one sides inactive, Carlton Towers boosted their chances of returning to the premier division at the first attempt when they gained a narrow victory over a Ripon side who belied their bottom status.

Abhay Sharma (51) hit a half century for Carlton with other runs coming from all-rounder Chris Pitts who made 38, and skipper Lee Hanson who added 27. Chris Warters was the pick of the Ripon bowlers as he took 4-37 while Aussie Paul Reynolds claimed 3-34 as an overture to his 68 when Ripon batted. Unfortunately he had little support and an 18-over stint from Simon Boddye earned the medium pacer 6-51 as he cut down Ripon for 153.

There was no play in the game between the top two sides in the division, Malton & Old Malton and Osbaldwick while the game at Goole saw the home side reach 46 for no wicket against Driffield before the weather intervened.

Hull Zingari moved into fourth place when they had by far the better of a draw against Whitkirk.

Hornsea lost ground on the leaders when they had to batten down the hatches to gain a draw at Pocklington where the home side posted a first innings total of 205-8.

Rod Hinch topped the hit parade with 74. He had good support from Ian Camwell 30, Neil Jackson 35 and Mike Newhouse 29 whilst Jon Lewis, with 4-59, and Richard Medforth 3-83 did the damage for Hornsea.

After the break, only Guy Martinson with 41 batted with aplomb in his side's 126-8 as Pocklington continued their recent improved form.

Duncombe Park moved to within striking distance of the second promotion place when they inflicted an eight-wicket defeat on a Tadcaster Magnet side who are hovering above the bottom two.

In another 30 over affair, Tadcaster's batsmen made a decent 152-9 with four batsmen making contributions. The pick of the quartet was Paul Clark with 31 with Chris Malthouse 29, Greg Strydom 27 and Will Walker 24 adding their input.

Park's overseas man Adam Rayner took 4-45 and then followed with 37. Kevin Wilson chipped in with 26 at the top of the order but the decisive innings was played by skipper Brian Leckenby who made an unbeaten 74 as the Helmsley side recorded their fifth victory.

Updated: 08:51 Monday, July 19, 2004