Carlton Towers, the second division leaders, had their last pair at the wicket when they eventually managed to salvage a draw at Scarborough.

The home side had been restricted to 132-9 by Paul Wright, who took 5 for 42 as Ashley Lythe made 38 and Andy Houlden 39.

Robert Harrison then produced even better figures when his 5-34 had Carlton on the rack, but Steve Townend made 26 and J Smith 34 as Carlton struggled to 114-9.

Two former Riding League sides clashed at St George's Road where visiting Castleford gained the better of a draw at the expense of Harrogate.

Castleford's two England Under 15 squad members were to the forefront of the action with Tim Bresnan making 93no and David Wainwright claiming 4-37.

Castleford skipper Dave Lord made 30 to help his side to 192-6, with Dan Longhurst taking 3-67 for the hosts who responded with 144-6 through Matthew Cousen 48 and Miles Rawlings 25.

At Osbaldwick, Rowntrees bowlers Dave Thompson (5-35) and Paul Horner (3-45) blew away the early order batting before Nigel Rippon found a constructive ally in Andrew Hills in a seventh wicket partnership of 98 which lifted the home total to 154-8.

Rippon remained unbeaten with 81 after Hills had fallen for 25.

When Rowntrees responded, Richard Tuite made 43 and Gerry Capelin and Horner each made 26 before Stef Cockerill took his side to a comfortable six wicket win with an impressive unbeaten 32.

Just two weeks after hitting 140, Stillington's Collis King went one better by making 141 as his 17th century in the league helped his side to 231-7 when entertaining Woodhouse Grange.

However, Stillington's bowlers then found wickets at a premium and they only gained two successes as Colin Johnson with 70no, Stuart Craven 60 and Steve Young 30no eased the Derwent side to a safe draw at 178-2.

Clifton Alliance and Bubwith drew when the Alliance showed resilience with the bat.

Bubwith set a stunning 216 for the loss of eight wickets with Neil Pratt, who hit 65 and Neil Readman, a tidy 56, set the tone.

Their main tormentor was Knowles who claimed an impressive 5-54.

The reply was led by Paul Atkinson, who ended unbeaten on 83, and he gained good support from Alistair Wray, who refused to give way and scored 26 not out as Clifton held on for their share of the spoils at 172-8.

Hovingham had problems as they met Bridlington and fell by three wickets.

Hovingham managed to set only 112 with Rounthwaite making their best score with 32 and he then claimed six of the seven Bridlington wickets that fell.

But it was the seasiders who held sway with Alastair Kirk's 5-29 and Stephen Briggs' 3-26 ensuring the asking rate was slim.

Dave Watson then did the business with the bat hitting 33.