THERE was no change in the battle for Scarborough Beckett League premier division honours at the weekend as the weather held sway, putting paid to several well-balanced contests.

Eight matches in the league were played to a conclusion but none of those came in the top tier, leaving Staxton still at the summit, with Heslerton and Forge Valley still in with championship shouts.

Staxton will be cursing the rain, too, having been on course for victory at Flixton II having got the hosts struggling on 87-8, with Elliott Cooper taking 4-13, before the heavens opened to force an abandonment. Of those runs, James Clarke made 36. Staxton's reward, though, was only nine points.

Heslerton were perhaps more grateful for the rain after the first innings of their match at Kirkbymoorside.

Heslerton had inserted the hosts to bat first on a damp track but poor bowling was feasted on by opener Dave Gardner, who crashed an impressive 152 not out containing 21 fours and six sixes, sharing partnerships of 84 with Jacques Budricks (29) and 106 with James Magson (22).

Gardener showed no respect for any of the Heslerton bowlers, all being dispatched to every part of the ground.

Rain interrupted play after 39 overs and Kirkbymoorside moved to 241-8 after 42, Kristian Wilkinson picking up late wickets to finish with 3-28.

Heslerton’s reply had reached 27-0 after five overs when persistent rain brought an end to proceedings.

Mick Glew hit 50 and Joe Bradshaw 45 as Forge Valley made 204 all out against Seamer, Brandon Tyzzer claiming. The rain came with Seamer on 17-0.

At Cayton, Ben Lealman hit 46 not out but his Ebberston side were on 84-5 when that game was abandoned

Only one game brought a result in division 'A' - Sherburn 69-2 beating bottom club Sewerby II after skittling the visitors for 68, Kev Lickes taking 3-10. Craig Sanderson (43no) led the reply.

In-form Charlie Allott hit 81 not out asNawton Grange reached 187-4 but their hopes of closing the gap to the promotion pack ended when Brompton's reply was curtailed at 12-0.

The relegation clash between Wold Newton and Cloughton ended with the game evenly poised, the hosts on 22-1 after Newton had made 124-9 in which M Southwell hit 41, Phil Chambers took 4-50 and Mark Bennett claimed 3-19.

Settrington, second-bottom, were probably grateful for rain as they were on 3-1 chasing leaders Scalby's 197-9.

In division 'B', Cayton II closed the game to leaders Mulgrave with a six-wicket win after bowling out Thornton Dale for 103 through Kieran (6-24) and Steve Glave (3-20).

Gareth Hunt (23) and Chris Headlam had put on 47 in tough conditions for Dale before six wicket fell for just eight runs. Lockwood (26 not out) and Paul Elgey repaired some damage. Rain flattened out the pitch but did not call a halt to proceedings and Brett Crowe (30), along with three dropped catches, saw Cayton canter home inside 25 overs.

Mulgrave's match with Bridlington II was cut short.

Fylingdales' promotion hopes were hit by defeat at Staxton II for whom Tom Nicholson (57) and Mark Dove (5-41) shone. Nicholson's 57 came from 59 balls including eight fours.

Bottom team Ryedale enjoyed a much-needed 32-run win over Forge Valley II. Ian Smith (71) and Rob Featherstone (57) starred in their 224-8. Dan Hardey took 4-44 and Andy Hill 3-31 in Valley' 192-9.

In division 'C', Fylingdales II 171-0 (Rob Groves hit an unbeaten 120 and John Beech 43 not out in Fylingdales II's 10-wicket win over Seamer II.

Alex Machen (52no), Simon Pickering (3-5) and Sam Hardie (5-39) shone in Ebberston II's win over Cloughton II.

Sam Fox (6-39) was Heslerton II's nemesis as they were beaten heavily by leaders Scalby II, while Wykeham bowled out second-placed Ravenscar for 102 - Scott Wardmam taking 3-17 - to achieve victory by 42 runs and close the gap in third.