Rowntrees 'A' batsman Richard Tuite hit a personal best score in his side's Hunters York and District Indoor Cricket League game of the season against Malton when he made an unbeaten 65 in his 180th innings in the competition.

Peter Crowder's 51 was his sixth half-century but the Sheriff Hutton Bridge batsman was still on the losing side as Acomb 'A' confirmed their league domination with their 13th win of the season.

However, when the sides clashed later in the semi-final of the York Brewery Cup, the tables were turned dramatically as Sheriff Hutton Bridge overtook Acomb 'A's total of 90-6 without losing a wicket. Graham Oxley was the Bridge's star with 3-19, closely followed by Crowder who made two stumpings and then hit 25no as league form was turned on its head. Sheriff Hutton Bridge then went on to win the competition with a comfortable win over Rowntrees 'A' who were making their fourth successive appearance in the final.

With Acomb 'A' already certain to retain the title their clash with second placed Sheriff Hutton Bridge in the final league game of the season was reduced to a matter of pride with the champions putting the pretenders firmly in their place.

Attention then turned to the York Brewery Cup. Rowntrees 'A' were making their fourth successive appearance in the final having won on the first two occasions and lost in 2003 to Acomb 'A'. Sheriff Hutton Bridge batted first and seemed likely to have both openers in retirement mode until Nick Scaling was stumped by Mike Shirley off Dominic Atkinson for 23. Peter Crowder was able to retire with 28no, while brother Steve also made the mark with 27no. Graham Oxley then hit 23no to take his side to 121-3. Faced with the task of making the highest score in a final to gain victory, Rowntrees made a poor start as they slumped to 26-3 in the fifth over as Nick Scaling, Richard Armitage and Mike Smith all claimed victims. The bowlers continued to dominate with Scaling taking 2-12 in his three overs and Armitage 2-22. They were helped by good fielding which saw 'keeper Peter Crowder bag two more victims and Smith hold two catches an their combined efforts had Rowntrees all out for 73 with only Dominic Atkinson, who made 22, offering any real resistance.

Updated: 10:45 Saturday, April 10, 2004