New Earswick found themselves clinging on for a division three draw with their last pair at the crease when they were nowhere near matching Malton’s 187 all out.

Stu Baxter, with 49 ,was Malton’s top scorer with other batsmen to show being Des Wyrill (39), Tom Audsley (29) and Tony Linsley (26).

Martin Hewitson took 4-46 for Earswick who were only able to stagger along to 129-9 as Stu Watmore (3-23) and B Crowe (3-15) applied the brakes.

But Andy James (35) and Andy Routledge (43) ensured the draw.

Hovingham’s opening pairing of Jamie Forwood and Henry Scott built a massive opening stand of 222 at Sheriff Hutton – but then found themselves on the losing side as Tom Harrison’s century gained a six-wicket win for the hosts with just three balls to spare.

Forwood had earlier reached 122 while Scott totalled 96.

There was no early indication of success when the Castlemen replied.

But a fifth-wicket stand of 161 turned the game on its head and produced a fine home win. Backing Harrison’s unbeaten 127, his maiden century, Geoff Schofield hit 58.