New Earswick put clear water between themselves and the bottom three in division two when they won the relegation battle with Hovingham by three wickets after a fabulous piece of bowling by Martin Hewitson, whose 8-40 was his second eight wicket-haul of the season.

Despite Hewitson's effort, 11th-placed Hovingham were able to make 163 thanks to Stuart Prest (41), Ben Thurman (44), Alistair Thorpe (34) and H Scott (26). Simon Mosey hit back with 4-53, but John Hetherton made 36 and Andy Routledge 38 and with their tea-mates chipping in, Earswick ran out winners at 164-7.

Updated: 11:51 Monday, August 22, 2005