ROD Hinch had a fine game for Pocklington who belied their lowly position by beating division one pace-setters Sheriff Hutton Bridge by three wickets.

Hinch took 5-61 but could not prevent the high-scoring Bridge side again bagging full batting points. However, the Pocklington all-rounder then showed his prowess as he made an unbeaten 69 to propel the East Yorkshire side to a fine win.

Mike Smith was Bridge's top scorer with 89, while Paul Scaling (37) and Paul Oldfield (28) gave sound support. Hinch's bowling assistance came from Mike Newhouse, who took 3-61, as the total reached 200-9.

Pocklington's reply was led by Andy Inns, who made 82 before Hinch settled the issue despite Smith's 3-63 and two wickets for Oldfield.

Tadcaster Magnet closed to within seven points of the leaders when they had a five-wicket win over a Duncombe Park side who were bowled out for 151.

Brian Leckenby hit 67 and Alex Boyle 34 but Paul Clark's 22.5 over spell earned him 7-63 to put his side in command at the half-way stage.

After the break, overseas man Shaun Cook made 52 in alliance with opener Chris Malthouse as the pair added 101 in a decisive third wicket stand. Peter Kent grabbed 3-20 but Malthouse saw Magnets to a five-wicket win with an undefeated 79.

The two bottom sides met at Stamford Bridge where Driffield's three-wicket victory left the home side in deep trouble at the foot of the table.

Stuart Boyle (46) was the only Bridge batsman to play a structured innings as Ben Dewhurst took 3-47 and Mark Clarkson 4-12. Peter Aconley hit back with 5-32 but Mick Drury made an unbeaten 49 as Driffield exploited the extra overs gained by Stamford's premature dismissal to win by three wickets in the last over.

York's Australian Sean Hunter cracked 106 to help his side record another high score. Andy Kay added 26 before James Pringle helped raise the total to 240-5 against Crayke by making an unbeaten 61.

Crayke's batsmen also gleaned runs at Clifton Park with Paul Hutchinson making 26, Graeme Dawson 29 and Andrew Dawson 39 and they were able to make a comfortable draw at 184-7.

Updated: 10:00 Monday, July 21, 2003