Division one high-fliers Drax came down to earth with a bump against North Duffield in a gripping HPH Cup final at Acomb.

Duffield struggled to make headway against the bowling attack of Steve Smith and Paul Vickers and both openers were back in the pavilion for 15.

But a spirited third-wicket stand between David Beilby (82no) and Chris Coward (36) steadied the ship and provided the platform for 75 runs to be plundered off the last six overs to take the total to a respectable 169-6 off 40 overs.

Drax started their reply confidently with Smith (47) looking in dominant form, but tidy bowling from Lee Wild and Trevor Britain complemented by some smart fielding kept the Powermen's response contained.

With wickets falling just as partnerships began to form, Drax were bowled out for 149 in the final over. John Partrick (3-35) was the pick of the Duffield bowlers.

The trophy was presented to captain Wild by Charles Walker, a partner with chartered accountants and competition sponsor HPH.

The HPH York Vale League programme was hit by the weather with only one game started in division one - and this too falling foul of the rain.

Burn hit 135-8 against Wheldrake, Adam Huetson top-scoring on 39 and Les Fearn taking three wickets, but rain prevented a reply.

Division two saw only the Heworth innings against Ben Johnson get under way. Openers Tim Outram (55) and Stuart Outram (94no) scored freely in putting on 96 and Paul Flint (53) added a 104-run stand with the latter before rain stopped play with Heworth well set on 215-2.

In division three, Thorpe Willoughby were struggling at 56-3 against Wistow while Acomb made 33-1 at Bishopthorpe II before the rain came down.

Bishops did manage to complete their game on Sunday when a strong side beat Clifton Alliance by seven wickets. Clifton hit 183-5 with Alan Barton making 57, before Aussie Chris Moores cut loose by thrashing 112no in Bishops' 186-3 reply.

In division four, veteran slogger Willie Knight hit a breezy 54 in addition to Chris Parker's 84 to steer Askham Bryan YPO to 216-6. Copmanthorpe reached 19-0 from seven overs in reply.

Alex Clarke took 5-11 as Woodhouse Grange dismissed Huntington for 103 en route to a six-wicket Grange win.

Mal Harrison took 4-24 to help Pocklington bowl out Heworth for 107, but with only nine overs possible Pock could only manage 24-2.

Selby made 143-7 against Ovington. Gary Wright hit 54 as Jack Stearman took three wickets. Ovington's youth policy thrived under the old hand of Alan Fletcher to gain victory by three wickets.

Peter Dickens hit 101no as Tadcaster Magnet made 198-6 against Malton and Old Malton in division five. Good bowling from James Key (5-69) and George Featherstone (3-52) then foiled an eager Malton chase as they closed on 175-8. Rob Moore (44) and Tim Audsley (47) did well.

Updated: 10:43 Thursday, August 04, 2005