STAXTON missed out on the opportunity to catch up with the leaders after losing to Foords by one wicket from the very last ball of the match.
Batting first, Staxton scored 208-9, James Armstrong hitting 37 and Chris Dove 33 but it was a magnificent innings of 111 from Paul Bowes that set Foords on the victory trail.
Andy Burrell added 36 but with the scores level and only one ball to b
e bowled last man Tom Watson held his nerve to scramble a single gaining victory for the Filey side. Dove also picked up 3-36 for the home team.
In the clash of the top two Cloughton were bowled out for 180 against Ebberston, Richard Malthouse scoring 52 and Gary Pickup 46, the most successful home team bowlers being Peter Webster 5-32 and Chris Tindall 3-31.
In reply Tom Bumby added 32 and skipper Adrian Turnbull 24, but in a match reduced to 41 overs the rain finally proved the winner and the match was abandoned after 20 overs.
Staithes moved off the bottom of the table by beating visitors Sherburn by 29 runs.
In a match reduced to 43 overs the home team posted a total of 247-9 thanks to Mark Allen (43), Simon Bowes (62) and 13-year-old Ryan Gibson, who made an impressive 47.
Andrew Holtby claimed 3-65 and Kev Metcalfe 3-36 after he created problems, taking his three wickets during one maiden.
In reply Sherburn raced to 87-1 in the first 10 overs and after good innings from Metcalfe (49), Richard Woodhead (53), Dan Simpson (41) and an unbeaten 28 from Daley Wharton.
Simon Bowes took 6-59 to end their response.
Cayton slipped from mid-table to the bottom after being beaten on their own pitch by Flixton 2nds.
Geoff Hill hit an unbeaten 79 to take Flixton to tea on 155-5. In reply Rich Gibson scored 35 and Steve McAleese an unbeaten 20, but four wickets from Pete Hill and Tennyson Roach ended the home team’s innings on 138.
In a 37-over affair, the rain again ended the match between Forge Valley and Kirkbymoorside, with Valley unable to take the field after Kirkby’s first innings of 206-7.
Jodie Robson was in fine form for Kirkby, crashing three sixes and nine fours during his 87, and with Gareth Pritchard adding 25 and Martin Charlton an unbeaten 34. Andy Holden slowed them with 3-74.
The efforts were all in vain though as the rains came.
