COSTCUTTER Senior League Cup holders Dunnington booked a semi-final berth when they had a comfortable seven wicket victory over Pickering in their postponed quarter-final tie.

They will now entertain Pocklington in the semi-finals on July 23.

Batting first, Pickering were indebted to Chris Nicholls, who made 46, and Craig Aconley whose 30 enabled them to reach 150 for nine as Joseph Grant claimed three for seven and Steve Precious three for 36.

Dunnington then moved to a comprehensive victory, losing the wickets of Simon Kellett for 44, Darren Avey for 32 and Matt Stacey for 36. Harwood Williams remained unbeaten on 26 when the game ended.

Scores: Dunnington 154-3 (S A Kellett 44, D M Avey 32, M B Stacey 36, H Williams 26no) bt Pickering 150-9 (C Nicholls 46, C Aconley 30, J Grant 3-7, S M Precious 3-36).

In the Edward Readman Memorial Trophy, a superb knock by Dave Herbert took Stillington to a thrilling one wicket victory over Castleford who seemed to be on a course for reaching the cup final in their first season in the league.

Castleford had lost half their side for just over 50 as Dalcy Wharton (4-40) and Richie Coultas (3-22) made inroads into the West Riding side's batting line-up. Ray Bresnan then restored his side's fortunes with an unbeaten 49 which helped Castleford to 143 all out.

Stillington's early runs came from Barry Millburn (29) and Shaminda Dissanayake (30) but Nick Bresnan took three for 25 and Andrew Winstanley three for 22 as Stillington slipped to 108 for nine.

Dave Herbert and Australian Dwayne Field then scored the 36 runs required for a fine victory. At the victorious closing, Herbert had made an unbeaten 53 while his erstwhile partner had one unbeaten single to his name.

Fourth division Yapham's hopes of reaching the Readman final were ended when they found first division side Beverley too powerful.

Clive Clark made 30 for the underdogs but Jamie Mitchell's five for 30 had the village side all out for 114. Mitchell added an unbeaten 58 to complete a personally rewarding day and, with Ali Brumfield chipping in with 27, Beverley raced to an eight wicket win in the 25th over.

Stillington and Beverley will now meet in the cup final at Whitkirk on Sunday, August 6.

Scores: Stillington 144-9 (B Milburn 29, S Dissanayake 30, D Herbert 53no, N Bresnan 3-25, A Winstanley 3-22) bt Castleford 143 (R Bresnan 49no, D Wharton 4-40, R Coultas 3-22).

Yapham 114 (C Clark 30, J Mitchell 5-30) lost to Beverley Town 116-2 (A Brumfield 27, J Mitchell 58no).

PICTURE: IN GOOD NICK: Dunnington skipper Simon Kellett who top scored with 44 as his side beat Pickering to ease into the semi-finals of the Costcutter League Cup

Picture by Garry Atkinson