Askham Bryan YPO are 20 points clear at the top of the Horwath Pulleyn-Heselton York Vale League after registering an emphatic 65-run triumph over British Sugar.

Openers Will Robinson and Andy Sturdy provided the solid platform for YPO with a first-wicket stand of 68. Then, the middle order accelrated the run-rate for a final total of 142-4.

It proved far too daunting a target as British Sugar found little in reply and mustered a modest score of 77.

At Tollerton, previously unbeaten North Duffield found life difficult against the Outlaws, despite the hosts fielding only nine men.

Batting on an uncertain, moist surface they were restricted to 101-9, as brothers Tony and Paul Raper shared six victims.

Tollerton themselves struggled against yet another Lee Wild barrage and were in trouble at 43-5.

But newcomer Peter Bainbridge then accompanied captain Andy Charlton in steadying the ship.

Going into the final over Tollerton needed seven runs and Duffield required one wicket. Victory for the Outlaws was cemented with one ball to go, Charlton undefeated on 52no.

Bishopthorpe returned to winning ways by thumping basement boys Fulfordgate.

Danny Williams inspired Bishopthorpe to 195-6 with his unbeaten 73. Only Steve Bygott managed any inroads with 4-55.

But that was superceded by Bishopthorpe bowler Ian Holmes. He collected an impressive 6-32 in Fulfordgate's total of 85.

In division two, Ben Johnson crashed against Copmanthorpe.

Tight bowling and sound catches restricted the BJ ranks to 76 all out, Adam Mosely profiting most with 4-20. John Hughes then guided his team to victory by seven wickets.

Stillingfleet again lost concentration, this time against Wheldrake. Stillingfleet batted first and scored 109 all out, Les Fearn taking 5-38.

Wheldrake then fell to 63-7 before Nigel Exton (26no) and Chris Turpin (24no) saw them home without further loss.

In division three, Askham Bryan YPO tried to halt neighbours York's march to the top. Matt Boyle's 58 runs gave York the momentum to reach 139 all out.

In response Askham had no answer to Dave Murray (3-36) and Dan Gianini (3-5) and folded on 67.

At University of York Staff, a rare drying wicket accounted for Drax bowling their hosts out for 116. Ashley Pike's 46 kept Dave Cartwight (4-39) at bay. The Drax openers reached 40 before John Heath (3-17) and Mark Dushieko (3-23) sent them tumbling to 95-9.

Acomb overwhelmed Heworth by 98 runs in division four.

Dave Skilbeck (45) and Bob Dickenson (37) showed Acomb's spirit in reaching 173-4.

The Heworth reply was totally strangled, especially by Dave Copley, whose six overs brought a wicket and five maidens, conceding just a solitary run.

Bishopthorpe had a game to forget against Malton and Old Malton. Stuart Benson top-scored with 68no in Malton's 151-9, Derrick Gardiner taking 5-44. Gary Cooper then responded with 4-25 in sending Bishopthorpe teetering to 49 all out.

Tadcaster Magnet's Alan Johnson excelled against Selby. His runs helped Magnet reach 113 all out before his haul of 5-27 limited Selby to 86 all out.

All division five's games were rained off.

Updated: 11:06 Thursday, May 13, 2004