SHERIFF Hutton Bridge lost second place in the Hunters York & District Senior Cricket League premier division on Saturday - but it could have been worse but for the weather.

With both their opening batsmen unavailable, Sheriff Hutton Bridge’s batting looked fragile at Hull Zingari as they slipped to 98-5 before heavy rain caused an abandonment.

Easingwold jumped back over them thanks to a good home win over fourth-placed Beverley Town.

Leaders Woodhouse Grange maintained their strong title defence, though, as their top-order batsmen rattled up 255-2 before declaring against bottom-placed Dunnington. Chris Bilton powered his way to 105 not out, with opener Nick Hadfield making 77, Andy Bilton 33 and Mike Hattee 23 not out.

It wasn't enough for victory, as Dunnington bagged a draw at 151-7.

Stamford Bridge hustled out hosts Studley Royal for a paltry 47, and the 30 points keeps them in touch with the pace-setting group.

Luke Robinson returned superb figures of 6-16 and Dom Rhodes grabbed 3-29. Dan Harper then made 30 not out as Stamford romped to a 10-wicket victory to comprehensively put paid to Studley's unbeaten record.

Pickering's promotion hopes were dented as they lost their top-of-the-table match at home to leaders Heworth by seven wickets.

Dave Greenlay made 71 and Chris Nicholls 31 in a decent Pickering total of 215-7, but Heworth’s batsmen hit back with 216-3 thanks to Neil Johnson's 64, Oliver Sherwood's 59 not out and Salman Syed's 48.

Malton & Old Malton could do neither themselves nor Pickering a favour as they lost by seven wickets to the Pikes' promotion rivals, Sessay.

Relegation candidates Malton were bowled out for 93 as Richard Till took 3-18 in six overs, and Mark Wilkie then made 53 and Joe Watson 26 in Sessay’s successful response.

Sessay now lie second, 34 points behind Heworth, with Pickering a further 13 points in arrears.

The fourth side in the promotion reckoning, Acomb, gained a draw at Goole with their last pair at the crease, just 11 runs short of victory.

Folkton & Flixton enjoyed a close two-wicket win against Selby.

Matt Hoyle hit 81 and Tom Rich 46 in a Selby total of 173-8, Jamie Nesfield capturing 3-32 and Harry Walmsley 3-35.

Walmsley then hit 59 and Neil Elvidge 37 as Folkton crossed the winning line, despite Tom Collins taking 4-32.

Hovingham II's hopes of closing in on the promotion pack in division four central was aided by Ryedale neighbours Duncombe Park II.

The Helmsley outfit enjoyed a big win over second-placed Civil Service, leaving fifth-placed Hovingham, who were without a game on Saturday, still in touch, 27 points behind.

Anthony Walker made 44 and Scott Plowman 40 as Duncombe reached 177 - Nick Claxton the one bowler to keep them in check with an excellent 5-15.

Ian Tessier then made 32 but Service were bowled out 76 runs short of their target.

John Armitage made 68 to lead Sheriff Hutton II to an advantageous draw against New Earswick II.

Sheriff totalled 178-8 with John Routledge claiming 3-26 but his New Earswick side could only reply with 106-8 as V Coan took 4-15. Paul Coull made 40 and A Pepper 30.