FIFTH division champions Malton & Old Malton showed they will be a force in division four when they inflicted a five-wicket defeat on Cawood.

Miles Taylor, who topped division six averages with Cawood II last year, showed his capabilities at a higher level by making 55 but he lacked support as Chris Brighan took 5-48 and Dave Bradshaw 4-63 as Cawood were dismissed for 164.

John Foxton then steered Malton to victory with an unbeaten 78.

It was a different story at Londesbrough Park where the relegated hosts emerged as five-wicket winners over promoted Thorp Arch & Boston Spa.

Paul Youngman had 5-32 as TABS were dismissed for 157 with Mike Warrilow (33) and Chris McGhee (32) the only batsmen to register. Sam Dodd then steered the East Yorkshire side to victory with 75.

Trevor Smith hit a half-century in vain for Easingwold, who suffered a five-wicket home defeat at the hands of Osbaldwick. Richard Graves added 32 but Brian Burton took 4-18 and Alex Rippon 4-36 to put out the home side for just 135.

Nigel Rippon then made a round half-century leaving Marcus Hollis (22no) to complete the job.

Huby had by far the better of a draw when entertaining Dunnington, who had their last pair at the crease when the game ended.

New skipper Paul Moore top scored with 60 while Dan Grainger hit 58 and Dave Patmore 31 as Huby moved to 217-7. Veteran Steve Whitaker raised his career total wickets by another four, at a cost of 58 runs, then saw his batsmen struggle as Grainger followed with 3-48 and John Robinson earned 3-15. Only an unbeaten 45 from Greg Whitecross saved the day for Dunnington who closed on 131-9.

The league's ground inspectors had praised the Sheriff Hutton ground and the team maintained the standard with a four-wicket victory over Acomb II.

Neil Weatherstone made 49 and John Renshaw 38 as Acomb moved to 153-7.

In reply, Tony Hull made 35 and Eddie Hull 29. Richard Clayton took 3-54 while Tim Merrick had 2-18 to rattle Sheriff but Ed Taylor then produced a match-winning effort as he made 56 not out.

At neighbouring Sheriff Hutton Bridge, Whitkirk II were only able to field nine men and proved no match for the home side although the Leeds team did manage to escape with a draw.

Teenager Richard Coverdale made his first league half-century as he and Steve Clipston added 120 for the second wicket before Clipston was run out for 51. Coverdale was able to move to 80 before becoming one of five victims claimed by James Colley at a cost of 71. But the Bridge pocketed five batting points by reaching 216-7. Coverdale then had revenge when he trapped Colley lbw for 39 but it was veteran Steve Glaves who threatened to decide the game as he captured 4-52.

However, Whitkirk opener Stuart Pickles dropped anchor and batted throughout the 45 overs to make 65no and steer his depleted side to a hard won draw.

Updated: 10:01 Monday, April 28, 2003