The two top sides in division three clashed at Heslington where the home side's five-wicket win over Hovingham has left them 23 points clear at the top.

Alistair Thorpe made an impressive 84 for Hovingham but lacked any support as Grant McLean ripped out six batsmen for a cost of 50 runs.

With ex-Heworth man Jason Gatus getting in on the act with 3-48, Hovingham posted only a modest 136.

Heslington held sway as Andy Ezard made 42, Robin Cockerill 34 and McLean completed a good day with 31.

Heworth moved into second place despite being bowled out for 123 as bowlers dominated the game at Boroughbridge Road.

Civil Service's Reese Houghton took the plaudits with 5-32 as Heworth skipper Jonathan Draper top-scored with 30.

When Civil Service took their turn Simon Brown made 25 and Mark Bradley 24 but they then saw their side collapse to 76 as Dave Bowling took 4-22 and Jamie Ulliot 3-15.

Chris Hugill hit a superb unbeaten 121 as Pickering picked up maximum batting bonus against bottom-placed Bubwith. Hugill was joined by 17-year-old Phil Aconley in an important fourth-wicket stand which stood at 118 when the youngster fell for 28.

Faced with a home score of 217-5, Bubwith made a decent fist of a reply with Neil Readman making 43 and Dave Birks 35.

However, despite their efforts, Bubwith found themselves hanging in for a draw after Ian Johnson had reduced them to 171-9 with a spell of 5-48.

Updated: 09:52 Monday, June 09, 2003