DIVISION One champions Norwich Union lost by five runs at North Duffield in the HPH York Vale League after being on the end of some hard hitting.

Lee Wild was in dominant form for Duffield, scoring a fluent 56. He was backed up by a quick unbeaten 53 from Chris Coward as the hosts closed on 162-3.

After a steady response, three quick wickets meant Union's Matt Phillips and Ranedeep Banerjee had to steady proceedings. After Phillips went for 80, Union needed six runs from two balls but only managed a single.

Westow got off to a solid start against Askyam Bryan YPO on a drying wicket with Mark and Neil Earle putting on 45.

However, Askham skipper Mark Grewer found his bowling form with 7-49 to cut Westow's innings at 136. In reply, Martin Baggaley held Askham together with 66no to send Askham home as four-wicket victors.

Fulfordgate's decision to put in Drax backfired as Keith Powell and Kevin Thomas' 76-run partnership took Drax to 153-4. The home side were never in the hunt and were bowled out for 94, Paul Vickers taking 4-18.

Bishopthorpe enjoyed an eight-wicket win over British Sugar, who were all out for 90.

In division two, Ben Johnson amassed 186-8 at home to Kelfield. Neil Drew, Dave Cameron and Dean Lacy all scored heavily with Pete Buck claiming 4-50. Martin Rhodes and Neil Atkinson were the only scores of note in Kelfield's 141-7.

Ovington struggled at home against Burn, their 112-9 easily passed for the loss of just two wickets in 22 overs.

Stillingfleet looked on course for victory at Thixendale with the home team reduced to 60-8. But Dean Tyler, coming in at number ten, stroked 34 to take 'Dale to 117 all out. Graham Lyndsey then took 7-26 to send Stillingfleet reeling on 64 all out.

Hirst United openers Phil Alford and Stuart Bennett put on 90 as their team totalled 176-7 away to local rivals Burton Salmon, who then struggled against Lawrence Stones (5-40) and Alford (4-20) as United won by a commanding 72 runs.

Chris Hall was the hero as Copmanthorpe won by two wickets at Wheldrake.

Bowlers Darren Hughes and Chris Hall made life difficult for Wheldrake, who were shot out for 98. After reaching 58-1, Copmanthorpe collapsed but number ten batsman Hall came in to club a six and a four from the penultimate over to claim victory.

University of York Staff thrashed Malton and Old Malton by eight wickets in division three.

After losing six wickets for four runs, Malton limped to 65 all out. Richard Waites was the destroyer in chief with 6-24.

York also ran out easy winners as their tight and accurate bowling saw Woodhouse Grange all out for 96. Greg Allison (59no) and Nick Feetenby (38no) raced York home by nine wickets.

In division four, Pocklington were put to the sword by Malton and Old Malton wicketkeeper-batsman S Brookshaw, who hit 85no in his side's 160-4. Pocklington offered little in reply and closed on 120-8.

Melbourne mustered just 53 at Burn, who knocked the runs off in 13 overs for the loss of a couple of wickets.

Despite A Johnstone's 63, Tadcaster Magnet could only total 119 all out and Acomb won by six wickets.

Thorpe Willoughby crashed to 109 all out at home to Stockton and Hopgrove in division five with only Neil Copsey's 30 brightening a dour display. Stockton raced to their target for the loss of five wickets.

Updated: 13:55 Thursday, May 06, 2004