CUP holders Burythorpe strode confidently into the semi-finals of the Horwath Pulleyn Heselton Cup, following a big win over Bishopthorpe.

Taking first knock they paid scant heed to the Bishops' strong bowling line-up to reach an impressive 221-8.

Mick Cooper and Geoff Brewer set the tone of the Burythorpe innings with an opening partnership of 65 in 15 overs, Phil Hill striking a fluent 71, while bowler Mike Brown was as economic as ever.

Bishopthorpe got off to the worst possible start as neither of the openers troubled the scorers and from there on it was a struggle.

Danny Williams produced a masterly 76 before running out of partners, the Bishops reaching 143.

Burythorpe's opponents in the semi-finals will be Drax, who successfully defended their 174 for six at Stockton and Hopgrove.

Brian Knight, with 65 in 99 balls including 19 in one over, pulled Drax round after they had lost both openers for 32.

Scott Simm and Matthew Knight kept the scoreboard ticking over, but Stockton were well placed at 143 for five following Peter Fairclough's 39, Steve Fraser's 30 and Nigel Collinson's 28.

Mick Brook turned the game taking out the middle order, and with Paul Vickers attacking the tail, the Villagers slipped to 147 for nine.

J Wrigby and Derrick Fryer senior added 16 for the last wicket before running out of overs as Drax won by 11 runs.

Thorpe Willoughby lost early wickets in their quarter-final against York, with bowler John Cook striking to leave them 19 for four.

Sensible batting from Paul Bogie and Bob Robinson recovered their position until Ian Calpin broke through.

Bowling in harness with Nigel Smith, they ran through the tail leaving Thorpe 102 all out.

York lost a couple of early wickets to Nigel Emery, but recovered well with J Reynolds and Peter Dobson moving the score along to 61 and a seemingly winning position.

Dave Taylor induced a mid-order wobble until Cook struck out for victory.

York will face second division Fulfordgate in their semi-final following the Gate's excellent win over first division Heworth.

Mal Caddie and Anthony Rogers gave Heworth a dream start, reaching 74 before being parted by Tim Wheeler, who was the pick of the Gate attack with three for 23.

Steve Quinn added a useful 34 to lead Heworth to 143 for six at tea.

Pete Fairburn played a match-winning innings for Gate, being unbeaten on 79, and he partnered Stuart Dalby to add 57 for the fourth wicket as Gate won with eight overs to spare.