SHERIFF Hutton Bridge had a good day when they won their latest three of their York and District Senior Indoor Cricket League game.

They beat Clifton Alliance in the only first division league game to increase their lead at the top of the table and also defeated Stillington and Pickering to clinch a semi-final berth in the League Cup.

Selby won the only second division game to leap three places into fourth place in the division when they trounced Stillington by five wickets.

The day opened with a second round tie in the York Brewery KO Competition with second division Selby receiving a 20-run handicap start against Clifton Alliance.

The first division side took first innings and posted an impressive 152-5. Selby made 118-5, well below the asking rate, in reply.

Division One action saw two title hopefuls in opposition as Clifton Alliance batted first against Sheriff Hutton Bridge. Andy Inns, who is likely to line up in Clifton colours in the coming season following an expected move from Pocklington, dominated the Clifton innings.

He saw Sid Corley fall to a catch by 'keeper Steve Crowder off Duncan Snell for 11 before retiring at 25, soon to be joined in the rest room by Paul Walton who also reached 25no. Alistair Wray fell to Graham Oxley for 20 then Rich Armitage bowled Mick Pickering for a duck.

This paved the way for Inns to progress to 44no as Clifton totalled 118-3.

Bridge were given their customary, albeit steady, start by the Crowder brothers, Peter and Steve, who both reached the retirement mark as their side made 45 in five overs.

Nick Scaling fell to Walton for four but Duncan Snell made good runs before being run out on 25.

The last two Bridge men both went cheaply leaving the Crowders to complete the job. This they did without mishap with Peter moving to 42no and Steve remaining unbeaten with 25 as a two-wicket victory came with four balls to spare.

Updated: 10:57 Thursday, January 23, 2003