Collis King hit his 26th York League century when he made an unbeaten 115 in Dunnington's advantage draw with Thirsk on a first class track at Common Road.

The West Indian star, who hit 15 boundaries, was joined in a second-wicket stand of 218 by Hamed Khan. He also reached three figures before being dismissed for 108 after reaching the rope on 13 occasions and adding one six as Dunnington made 244-2.

Thirsk's reply was led by Dave Greenlay, who made 62, with support from Keogan Luiters, who made 38. Sixteen-year-old John Cook, who had earlier bowled his first six-over spell for just 15 runs, underlined his promise with 20 to help his side gain a creditable draw.

Khan followed his ton with 4-59 but Dunnington were only able to gain one of the two wickets required off the last two deliveries as Thirsk staved off defeat at 172-9.

Second-placed Heworth reduced the gap to 37 points after a three-wicket victory over Clifton Alliance.

Simon Corley made 84 for the Alliance, who were restricted to 168-9 as Shahid Khan claimed 4-49 and spinner Mark Bell 3-52.

When the Elm Park Way-based side replied, Mike Brooke made 28 and former Pocklington player Matthew Atkinson 49 to steer them home.

Acomb and Easingwold went into their encounter level pegging in third, but hosts Acomb edged ahead with the better of a draw.

Acomb's batsmen prospered in favourable conditions with Richard Sykes making 74, Chris Simpson 63, Shanuka Dissanayake 30 and Andy Tute 26. Only a handy spell of bowling by Dan Copeland (3-36), kept the home score within range at 224-4.

Easingwold's reponse rested on the shoulders of Martin Piercy, who made 77, and Paul Skilbeck with 56. None of their team-mates were able to offer a telling contribution as Andrew Sykes claimed 3-34, Tute 2-29 and Dissanayake 2-66. The game ended in a draw at 173-8.

Beverley Town were obliged to take first innings when entertaining lowly Sheriff Hutton Bridge and were able to post a score of 183-8 thanks, mainly, to the efforts of Ali Brumfield, who made 86. Mike Sinclair was the most successful bowler for the Bridge as he took 4-61 while Paul Oldfield gave sound support in capturing 3-44.

Bridge captain Mike Smith then led from the front with an unbeaten 75 and had an effective ally in second-team skipper Craig Hunter, who made 43 as the Bridge eased their relegation fears with a seven-wicket victory.

After a poor start to the season, the Pickering bandwagon continued to roll with a six-wicket win at Pocklington.

The bottom-placed hosts were under new leadership following a recent change of captaincy and bagged four batting points with a first innings total of 190-5.

Over half their total came from the Hinch brothers with Rod making 66 and Kevin 40, while Nathan Schultz chipped in with 37. Pickering were then taken to their third win of the season by Chris Nicholls, who made 51, and Craig Aconley, who scored 68.

Updated: 13:08 Monday, June 24, 2002