THE two relegated sides both got off to a winning start in their bid to make a quick return to the top echelon.

Pocklington beat Goole Town by five wickets and Sheriff Hutton Bridge gained a similar verdict from their trip to Whitkirk.

With first division games being upped to 48 overs a side, Goole Town fully utilised their overs to gain maximum batting points at 200-6 thanks to Anthony Gibbins, who made 76, and Neil Foster, who added 28. Richard Foster took 3-61 for the hosts, who then replied successfully through Dave O'Gram (59), Andy Inns, who celebrated his return to the Pocklington fold after a winter of indecision to make 57, Martin Nesom (38no) and Ian Camwell (30).

Sheriff Hutton Bridge's attack was lacking the services of teenage prospect Duncan Snell, who has moved to York, but were still able to restrict Whitkirk to a first innings score of 141-8. Former Normanton St John player Tony Stuckey (39) combined with fellow newcomer Russell Kwil (33no) to provide the bulk of the Leeds side's runs. Teenage spinner Danny Snowball proved to be the Bridge's trump card with 4-67 while new skipper Paul Oldfield grabbed 3-38. Paul Scaling led SHB's reply, making 65 before he was run out, and his efforts set his side en route to a winning 143-5.

Second division champions Stamford Bridge were second best against Hull Zingari as the the 2002 junior player of the year, Anthony Knowles, produced an impressive display.

The youngster captured 4-67 in Stamford's 185-8 which owed much to Stuart Boyle (70) and Ed Sykes (54) and then went on to hit his highest league score as he made 85 in Hull's reply. Melbourne-based Robert Elston made a debut 41 then Ali Markham steered his side to a comfortable eight-wicket win with an unbeaten 47.

Tadcaster Magnet, who also came up from division two, made a decent start as they gained the better of a draw with Crayke.

New Zealander Shaun Cook figured well for Magnet making 64 in their 181-8 as Mark Hutchinson claimed 3-68. Magnets' most accomplished bowler was Tyrone Naude who took 3-44 as Crayke replied with 142-7, skipper Jonathan Wright carrying his bat for Crayke with a defiant 56no.

Paul Mason took 6-34 to help restrict Driffield to 135-9 when two sides with promotion ambitions clashed at Ripon. Chris Chapman made 56 but Tom Leeming backed his skipper with 3-41 to ensure a modest target. When Ripon batted Mark Ryan (22), was one of two wickets to fall but Leeming (18no) then helped Chris Warters, who made 78no, see Ripon home by eight wickets with 15 overs to spare.

There was a run feast at Clifton Park where York emerged as victors in a game which saw over 500 runs scored.

Despite losing the game, Duncombe Park were no doubt well pleased with their overseas man, Daniel O'Connor, who was a permitted late replacement for Zimbabwean Piet Rinke, who had been unable to obtain a visa. The Australian came up trumps with an unbeaten 112 to help Park reach 250-8 with Brian Leckenby (42) and Peter Kent (34) adding support.

Nash Stone, now no longer regarded as overseas, claimed 3-54 for the hosts and then led the York run-chase with 97. M Davies made 52 and James Pringle 29 on his return to the York stable after a brief spell at Easingwold. Colin Humpleby made inroads with 4-59 but York were able to gain a fine victory at 251-7.

Updated: 10:10 Monday, April 28, 2003