BOWLERS were in total command at Malton and Old Malton in division one where the home side gained a two wicket victory to stretch their lead to 70 points.

Goole Town batted first but only Anthony Gibbins, with 30, was able to make any impression against spin twins Matt Yates and Ryan Bulger. Aussie Bulger took his wicket tally to 49 at the halfway stage as he claimed 6-26 and Yates supported with 3-26 as Goole limped to 94-9.

The Malton batsmen then encountered problems of their own as Gautam Sharma kept the spin doctors to the fore with 5-34 but he lacked support and Malton were able to squeeze a win at 96-8.

Carlton Towers move into second place after a five-wicket win over Whitkirk, who were dismissed for 153 by Sabhay Sharma 3-29 and 17-year-old Ben Lamb, who took 4-22.

Whitkirk's successful batsmen were Grant Galloway, who made 46, and Neil Edgecock, who chipped in with 28.

Carlton's matchwinner turned out to be Matt Holmes who rattled an unbeaten 48 off just 19 balls to clinch a five wicket win. Earlier Paul Wright had made 36 and Lee Hanson 34 as they countered the threat of Oral Blackford, who captured 4-66.

Hornsea's recession continued with a home defeat at the hands of Driffield who again owed much to the Woodcock contingent.

Guy Martinson made 56 for the shore-men but Mark Woodcock took 4-45 and John Driskell 4-60 to dismiss them for 176.

Kevin Woodcock then followed with 73 as Driffield won by 2 wickets in 41 overs despite Jon Lewis's 4-43.

Updated: 09:03 Monday, July 05, 2004