MAIN interest in division five was centred on the game between champions Pickering and Stamford Bridge which was played at Scarborough Beckett League Ebberston's ground due to Pickering's home being required for football.

While Pickering had already clinched the title, Stamford required eight points to move above the resting Rowntrees side and claim the final division five place. A seven-point haul by Stamford would have necessitated a play-off.

Stamford's bowlers performed well and grabbed five valuable bowling points when they became only the second side to dismiss Pickering who were bowled out for 161.

The Stamford heroes were Andy Winfield, who took 4-64 in 22.5 overs and Brian Aconley who captured 3 for 40.

Pickering's batting star Kevin Wilson made 45 to end the season with 1,105 runs at an average of 110.50, his run aggregate being 233 runs more than the prevous record.

Robert Aconley (Snr) was Pickering's other main batsman with 35. Having taken tea with five points banked, Stamford started their innings requiring a minimum of a draw to clinch a fifth division place, while even a narrow defeat would enforce a play-off.

Huw Rees showed spirit with 37 but Stamford's hopes were dashed by the bowling of Tony Evans and Ian Johnson and they found themselves bowled out for 113, earning them just one further point and leaving them an agonising single point behind Rowntrees and destined to next season's new sixth division. Evans' bowling was the most decisive as he finished with 7 for 44, while Johnson collected 3-36.

Malton's Jim Dawson took 5 for 48 to set up a nine-wicket win at Sessay and pipped Evans to the divisional bowling honours.

Civil Service were unable to raise a side for their visit to Hovingham.

At Cawood, home skipper Bob Paddison went past the 600-run mark by making 45, but his team were restricted to 131-7 by Dale Sanders, who took 3 for 37 for

Bolton Percy.

Earlier John White 39 and James Hodge 32 had helped Bolton reach 178-9 with the Steen Brothers bowling well for Cawood as Rob claimed 5 for 91 and Howard 3-77.

Stillington ended their season on a winning note when John Milburn's all-round performance saw them beat New Earswick by three wickets.

Milburn took 4 for 25 with his spinners as Earswick, for whom Mick Steels made 39 and Andy Routledge 30, were dismissed for 136.

Milburn then followed with 35 and, despite 3 for 42 by Routledge, Stillington went on to a winning score of 138-7.

After a disappointing season, Thorp Arch salvaged a little pride when they got a draw against Pocklington, reaching 127-8 in reply to their opponents' 224-7. Mal Harrison made 40 and Kev King 59 for Pocklington as Dave Kirman took 4 for 74. Andy Downey then claimed 4 for 21 when TABS replied.