Sheriff Hutton Bridge moved nearer to clinching their first title since 1992 when they scored two more victories in the Hunters Estate Agent York and District Senior Indoor Cricket League

They beat Tadcaster Magnet and Clifton Alliance, whose hopes of finishing in the top two have now been ended.

Rowntree 'A' hold the key to the title as they meet both the top two sides in the final round of matches on February 17.

A Sheriff Hutton Bridge victory will give them the title, but should Rowntree beat Sheriff Hutton Bridge and then lose to Acomb the title will be retained by Acomb with a better run rate.

Rowntree have another important game on Saturday when, if they beat Tadcaster Magnet, they will make sure of a first division place for next season. A Tadcaster Magnet win would open up a route for them too avoid relegation.

Acomb scored an easy victory over Tadcaster Magnet, who were restricted to 63-5 in their 12 overs with Tim Merrick conceding only five runs in his three overs while capturing the wicket of top-scorer Dave Storr (16).

Acomb opener Richard Sykes then maintained his record of scoring at least 25 in every game as he reached the retirement mark for the eighth consecutive time.

With Scott Nicholls making 23no, Acomb coasted to a five wicket win in under six overs.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge opener Pete Crowder kept up his bid to win the batting award with an unbeaten 32 when Tadcaster faced further stiff opposition.

Pete's brother Steven made 31 and Nick Scaling chipped in with 24 as the Bridge reached 124-5.

Tadcaster's Dave Storr then fought something of a lone battle as he made an unbeaten 42 but his team-mates fell to 14-year-old Duncan Snell whose 3-29 was his second three wicket haul of the season. With Scaling taking 1-7, Tadcaster were pegged to 86-4 to lose by 38 runs.

Stamford Bridge's batsmen were no match for the Acomb bowlers, only Ian Fraser (21) showing any form as they were bowled out for 57 with Richard Sykes taking 2-19 and Tim Merrick 2-17 as he became the leading wicket taker with 11 wickets.

This modest target resulted in Richard Sykes failing to reach 25 for the first time. He was unbeaten with 22 as he and Scott Nicholls (26no) set up a six wicket victory in 6.3 overs.

Sykes' innings saw him reach the 300 run mark, lifting his average to 101 and also taking him to 3000 runs in the competition, a feat achieved only onece before (by Richard Tuite, who remains 152 runs ahead of Sykes).

Acomb's victory moved them temporarily into top spot, but Sheriff Hutton Bridge overwhelmed Clifton Alliance to quickly reclaim pole position.

Clifton's batsmen contributed to their own downfall with three run outs. Mike Smith bowled three overs for eight runs and Clifton were 49 all out as Nick Scaling took 2-9 and Duncan Snell 1-5.

Peter Crowder then made his unbeaten 25 but his side lost three wickets before winning and the effect on their run averages might yet be detrimental in the finale.

The Indoor League presentation evening will be held in the York Brewery, Toft Green, on Tuesday, April 3. Tickets can be obtained from the League secretary.

Updated: 13:05 Thursday, February 08, 2001