Division three of the Horwath Pulleyn Heselton York Vale Cricket League has suddenly become close.

This is because second-placed Wistow thrashed leaders Burton Salmon by 181 runs.

Batting first, Wistow's man of the moment, Ian Jenning (88), aided Phil Elliott (92) in adding 159 runs for the second wicket.

Their team went on to record 223-4, an outstanding total which looked even more remarkable when the Salmon reply astonishingly ended after just 42 runs, Ian Jennings and Mick Bell sharing the wickets.

Wistow are now just one point behind Salmon.

Stillingfleet remain on their heels in third place after a resounding victory over York University Staff.

Rob Murray seized 91 runs on a tricky track before a disciplined 'Fleet attack led by Chris Woodfine curtailed Staff's innings at 67.

Paul Thornton and Mark Grewer put on 160 runs for Askham Bryan YPO at Clifton Alliance.

Alas for Askham, the Clifton youth brigade passed their total with seven overs to spare.

Huntington are getting closer to their maiden victory as their bowling improved against Woodhouse Grange.

However, their batting didn't, as they eventually went down by 27 runs.

There was also a reshuffle in division four, where Drax are the new top dogs after eclipsing previous leaders Burn.

A lack of communication resulted in Richard Ounsley's innings stalling on 99, a score which helped Drax compile 220-8.

Twenty-seven overs later, Burn were burned out for 95.

Acomb climb into second place by disposing with Ovington.

Opener Wallace top scored with 64 out of 178-8. This proved too much for Ovington as they stuttered to 89.

Pocklington's Paul Eastwood took five Selby wickets but Tim Carter took seven Pock wickets as Selby won by 27 runs.

With division five leaders Tadcaster having a week off, Wheldrake secured second place by 'denting' Stockton and Hopgrove.

After top scoring with 35no, Kevin Dent added three Stockton wickets to send his Wheldrake side to a 66-run victory.

The Thorpe Willoughby revival continued at Selby.

Steve Craven's 4-11 skittled the hosts for 81, and McEvoy then stroked 43 in Thorpe's six wicket win.

Norwich Union remain in pole position in division one after excelling in the batting heaven named Westow.

Two 50 partnerships let Westow score a competitive 183-4. However, openers Garnett (82) and Morgan (41) belted 131 runs to give the visitors the perfect platform for a seven-wicket win.

Askham Bryan YPO remain second after a comfortable win at North Duffield.

Defending 151-3, Askham captain Mick Hamshere returned 6-28 from 17 overs to ensure a win by 66 runs.

Drax took maximum points at home against Burn after Kevin Thomas scored 84 of their 199 all out.

Only Rob Walker's 61 gave Burn any hope of reaching the victory target. Paul Vickers and Dave Brinded shared eight of the visitors' wickets.

British Sugar returned to winning ways at Ovington's expense.

Paul Jones cracked an unbeaten 51 out of 171-4. Andy Heaton then polished off the tail with 7-48.

Division two leaders Tollerton Outlaws were given a shock by a Steve Bygott-inspired Fulfordgate before they turned things round to win.

Tollerton relied on their impressive tail to collate 128-9. Fulfordgate were cruising along at 65-2 before Billy Chambers' amazing burst of 7-7 bowled 'Gate out for 73.

At Thixendale, 507 runs saw the home side triumph over Copmanthorpe by 23 runs.

A century from Les Milburn and 61 from Graham Lyndsay took Dale to 265-7. In reply, 89no from Ron Atkinson and some late sixes from Hugh and Hall made Thixendale sweat, but not for long.

Kelfield were again involved in a last-over finish in their match against Wheldrake.

Set 156 for victory, opener Phil Smith flailed the ball to all parts. Nevertheless, six runs were still required from the last over, in which a leg bye from ball five saw Kelfield victorious. Smith remained on 99no.

Updated: 09:00 Thursday, July 03, 2003