THE Leckenbys were in command at Helmsley as Duncombe Park defeated promotion rivals Tadcaster Magnet in division two north of the Hunters York & District Senior League.

Nadeem Shefta made a season’s best 43 not out for Magnet, but Jonathon Leckenby, inset, took 4-30 to limit them to 156-7.

After the break, stalwart batsman Brian Leckenby made an undefeated 81 to see Park home and strengthen their grip on second spot. Magnet remain third, now 35 points in arrears.

Leaders Osbaldwick stayed clear in front, though, despite having a bit of a struggle against lowly Pocklington - squeezing home by two wickets.

There was no play between Ripon and Sheriff Hutton due to rain, which later rescued Hovingham in their home match against Woodhouse Grange II.

Hovingham had slipped to 89-5 and were looking in trouble before the weather caused an abandonment. Richard Bowling had made 32.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge II were also saved by the rain in division three north just as lowly opponents Londesborough Park seemed to be edging towards victory.

Having reached 73-2, the Bridge lost six wickets for a mere eight runs before eventually moving to 114 all out as L Medley claimed 3-22.

Londesborough progressed to a decent position at 70-4, with H Gamble unbeaten on 25, when the weather ended proceedings. SHB stay second in the table.

Mid-table Malton & Old Malton II were also involved in a call-off, away to Sessay, who made 72-4 in the play that was completed. John Flintoff had hit 32 of those runs.

Pickering II suffered a crushing defeat in division three south to stay rooted to the foot of the table.

Opponents Heworth, third in the standings, won by 120 runs after declaring on 214-4.

There were half-centuries from Lee Bradshaw (51) and Jonathon Draper (64), while Paul Neal made 30 and Greg Sykes an unbeaten 30.

The Pikes were then rolled over for only 94 as Guy Wilkinson picked up 5-20 and Tom Neal 3-9.

Welton & Brough II totalled 144-7 at Stamford Bridge II, for whom Des Healey had 3-36 and Graham Tipping 3-16. The weather then took control in that game too.