Hemingbrough, newly promoted to division two of York and District Senior League, hit a massive 271-3 to earn an advantage draw at Castleford.

Imran Malik, signed from Airedale & Wharfedale side Bilton, hit 116, with Maqsood Akbar adding 72 and Nathan Briggs 41.

An insurmountable total faced Castleford, who replied with 179-6, Chris Young leading the way with an unbeaten 80.

Crayke, relegated from division one last term, got a good start to the season when they gained a three wicket win at Harrogate.

Andrew Crystal hit an unbeaten 92 as the St George's Road side moved to 182-6, with Pakistani Farran Norris aiding with 34. But Jonathan Wright (47) and Eric Watson (46) claimed the points for Crayke, who made 183-7.

At Mille Crux, Rowntree fell foul of Scarborough's overseas player Luke van Kempen, who virtually won the game single handed.

He hit an unbeaten 95 as Scarborough made 157-6 and then he took 5-14 to clinch an 18 run win after Richard Tuite (52) and Paul Horner (50no) had put the York side in a strong position.

Stamford Bridge got a good draw at the expense of Dringhouses which should set them up for a better season than last year.

Stuart Boyle hit 71 and Andy Milner 50 to offset Mick Kenyon's 5-71 and take the Bridge to 216-8. Brian Aconley 4-21 then made sure that Dringhouses would only gain a draw at 131-6.

Updated: 09:53 Monday, April 26, 2004