THERE was a nail-biting finish to the Edward Readman Trophy quarter-final game at Clifton Park when former Ridings League rivals York and Scarborough fought out a tense dual.

York progressed to the last four on the basis of losing fewer wickets.

The home side were given a sound start as Dave Catlow and Nash Stone moved to 64 before the former was bowled by Neil Fletcher for 38. Sean Hunter joined his fellow Australian and the pair moved into three figures but Hunter was then caught by stumper George Rounthwaite. Stone continued to prosper in partnership with Mike Mortimer (74) and appeared to be on course for a big score until, at 184, he was third out for 84. York closed on 234-5 after their 40 overs.

Opener Gary Pickup led Scarborough's reply with a century and the Seasiders seemed to be on course for victory until Nash Stone grabbed a hat-trick in the 36th over to reduce the visitors to 204-9.

Last pair Mark Wells and Robert Harrison managed to reach the final delivery with two required for victory. The first run was completed to level the scores but Wells was run out in going for the winning run leaving York winners having lost fewer wickets.

There was also a closely-fought encounter at Studley Royal where the hosts lost by seven runs to Duncombe Park.

The Helmsley side's openers, Brian Leckenby and Dan O'Connor, put on 123 as Park reached 237-6, which proved out of Royal's grasp despite 77 from Anthony Mackle.

Hemingbrough's first attempt at winning the trophy was ended by Whitkirk who emerged with a 33-run advantage. Damian Sharp (4-51) was Heminbrough's best bowler as the Leeds side made 213-7.

Hemingbrough's Laqsood Akbar made 47 and Gauansfar Rehman 56 but Mark Murphy (3-41) helped send Hemingbrough from 169-3 to 180-8 and a 33-run defeat.

Holders Malton & Old Malton beat Stamford Bridge by 73 runs thanks to some good bowling by Chris Brigham (4-21) and Matt Yates (3-33). Malton had posted 214-8 with Darren Wyrill (45) and Neil Johnson (54) putting on 107 for Malton.

Updated: 09:51 Friday, July 18, 2003