First division leaders Malton and Old Malton had little difficulty in disposing of lowly Tadcaster Magnet to glean 29 points from a 64-run win.

The day started badly for the pacesetters when they lost their first three wickets for only 12 runs but the ship was steadied by Greg Johnson, who made 62, and Danny Foxton, who hit a round half-century. Paul Clark with 4-23 and Matthew Keel (3-24) ensured Magnet got full bowling points as they dismissed the hosts for 193. Aussie Ryan Bulger then took control with 6-60, while Matt Yates supported with 3-21 as Tadcaster were dismissed for 129 with only Russ Parker (26) offering resistance.

Osbaldwick lost ground when they were unable to bowl out Duncombe Park after making 224-6. Glen Jones hit 61 for 'Osso' with Steve Jackson adding 32 and Mark Thompson 52, including 23 in one over. Mark Wilkie, in his final innings for Park before embarking on a year-long trip to Australia, hit 79, figuring in a third-wicket stand of 96 with Richard Simpson, who made 40. Shaun White had 3-71 but the Helmsley side achieved their first draw of the season by making 192-7.

Carlton Towers boosted their promotion drive with a 30-pointer at the expense of bottom-placed Pocklington. Overseas man Abhay Sharma hit his first century, making 104no while John McHale made 37 to help the Snaith side to 206-4. Ex-Dunnington man McHale grabbed 5-19 to topple Pocklington for just 96.

Bowlers reigned supreme at Whitkirk where the home side defeated Goole Town.

Whitkirk's batsmen were bamboozled by spinners Dave England (5-18 in 23 overs, 14 maidens) and Gautam Sharma (3-25).

But Whitkirk's medium-pacers excelled, John Colley (6-22) and Brett Hugo (3-20).

Updated: 09:24 Monday, June 07, 2004