Simon Kellett fell just short of reaching a landmark when playing for Hunters Estate Agent York and District Senior Cricket League premier division leaders Dunnington against Whitkirk on Saturday.

He started the day with an average of 133.33 and requiring exactly 100 to become the first batsman to reach 500 runs in the premier division this season.

He again showed imperious form, particularly as he and Alvin Kallicharran added 128 for the fourth wicket, but he was dismissed for 95.

Kallicharran made 50 and his stand with Kellett was the best fourth wicket partnership in the premier division this season.

Paul Miles then put the Whitkirk bowlers under more pressure with a quickfire 38, which took the leaders to 241 for six.

When Whitkirk replied, Stuart Pickles made 35 and Neil Edgecock 34 not out, which helped Whitkirk to gain a draw at 183 for eight. Joe Grant went further ahead as the leading wicket-taker in the premier division, with four for 77.

Second-placed Clifton Alliance won at home to third-placed Thirsk, who crashed to 109 all out as John Hunter took six for 45 in 17 overs.

Simon Dwyer, playing his best innings since returning to the Shipton Road outfit from Woodhouse Grange, then scored 62 not out as Alliance won for the loss of only three wickets.

Acomb moved into third place when they gained the better of a draw at Heworth, whose last pair warded off defeat.

Andy Tute, with 43, was top scorer in Acomb's 210 for eight. Duminda Perera, currently in second place in the batting averages, saw his rating slip below 70 when he was dismissed for 32.

Chris Mead scored 30 and newcomer J Preston 29 for Heworth, but Dave Sykes retained control with three for 40. Heworth's last pair survived the final nine deliveries to gain a draw at 159 for nine.

Jonathan Bean dropped down the order when Woodhouse Grange batted first against Pickering and the move paid dividends when he hit 53. Mike Burdett added 45 as Woodhouse bagged full batting points at 218 all out. Tim Keane took six for 56.

Grange's Sajid Ali then took four for 43 but Colin Frank (46) and Andy Hill (26) ensured a draw at 167-7.

Bottom of the table Ripon lost by eight wickets at Osbaldwick. Steve Machen took five for 36 in 25 overs and Shaun White five for 56 in 16 as Ripon were all out for 130. Seve Jackson made 46 and Stuart Boyle an unbeaten 57 to clinch victory.

Easingwold, batting first at home to Sheriff Hutton Bridge, just gained maximum batting points when they reached 200 for eight. Damon Smith made 65 and Martin Piercy an unbeaten 69 against one of his former clubs, with Mike Sinclair taking four for 82.

Bridge skipper Steve Crowder replied with 54 and Nick Scaling 35. Danny Copeland, a former Bridge junior player, then took four for 36 and the Bridge's last pair survived for 13 balls to reach 174 for nine.

Updated: 13:43 Monday, June 25, 2001