Hovingham moved to the top after good bowling by Jonty Rounthwaite, who took 3-11 and Richie Brown, who grabbed 3-2, sealed a four-wicket victory by dismissing Heworth for 124.

Only Dave Bell, who made 37, showed batting prowess and he continued to impress as he claimed 3-28. However, the target was too small to protect and John Mosey, with 35, and Nick Elliott (25) ensured their side took full advantage of the fact that erstwhile division three leaders Hemingbrough drew at Bolton Percy.

A good team performance saw five Hemingbrough batsmen make significant contributions as they reached 207-6.

Nathan Briggs, who has been a key performer in the League's unbeaten Joe Lumb side, made 34, but record breaking Maqsood Akbar failed by 16 runs to become the first to 1,000 runs when he was dismissed for 29.

His failure was compensated by Damian Sharp (27), Stuart Cox (31) and Mike Pounder, who made 35no, as Hemingbrough banked five batting points.

Bolton made a sterling response led by Jamie Rigby who hit 81. With Tydon Latty adding 33, Bolton appeared to be coasting to victory as they reached 193-7 with three overs remaining.

But Stuart Cox with 5-76 and Mike Pounder 3-31 had worked hard and were rewarded when Bolton lost two wickets in successive balls and, in the end, were probably satisfied with a draw at 197-9.

Following the demise of their second XI, Heslington's fortunes have taken a turn for the worse and their promotion drive suffered a major setback when they were beaten by bottom-placed Civil Service.

Jason Gatus made 54 for the villagers, who were helped to their score of 161-8 by Paul Neal 38 and Ryan Elliott 27 with Rees Houghton claiming 4-47.

The strugglers were given a sound start as Simon Brown hit 59 and James Chisholm 47 as they accrued 92 for the second wicket. Elliott strove manfully as he captured 5-56 but Service were able to clinch their fourth win when they reached 165-7.

Third-placed New Earswick lost a little ground when they were held to a draw by Pickering for whom Andy Hill 52 and Claude Hugill 30 ensured safety.

Thirteen batsmen fell to catches in a game that saw Woodhouse Grange inflict more misery on relegation-haunted Bubwith, who were bowled for 110. Only Paul Van Dyke, who made 41, withstood the Grange attack as Peter Nolton claimed 6-36.

Bubwith 'keeper Gary Moore took off his pads to claim 4-29, but Woodhouse won by four wickets.

Updated: 09:51 Monday, August 04, 2003