GREAT Habton have gone top of the Derwent Valley League division ‘A’ – but not in the way they would have liked.

The Ryedale side for the second successive week were handed the points as opponents conceded the game, unable to raise a team.

Last week it was Sewerby 3rds and this week it was Hospitals/Rugby Club who were deducted five points and fined £20.

The 20-point haul puts Habton 13 points ahead of Flamborough, who had no game due to the resignation from the league of Brompton 2nds earlier in the year.

Habton have only one game left, Flamborough two, and the title looks sure to go down to the wire.

Bottom team Sewerby 3rds this week got a side out but they were all back in the pavilion for just 31 at home to Muston, who had earlier racked up 283-3 – Stephen Pratt leading the way with an unbeaten 133 – en route to a huge win.

Whitby 3rds’ Josh Suckling (4-28) and Rikki Lawrence (3-17) set up victory over Forge Valley 3rds which sees Whitby climb away from danger and leaves Valley in bother. Ben Storey took 4-34 in reply but his team’s total of 92 was not enough.

Flixton 3rds edged victory over Nawton Grange to seal the division ‘B’ crown in their last match of term, and leave Grange just out of the promotion picture.

Pete Hill scored a crucial 53 not out as Flixton limped to 117-8 on a good day for bowlers, James Dunn taking 3-34.

Grange were then all out for 107, Neil Ward top-scoring with 26.

Kirkbymoorside 2nds were another side unable to raise a team on Saturday - Sherburn 2nds being awarded 20 points which lifted out of the relegation zone.

Cayton 3rds suffered a shock one-run defeat in an amazing game at Thornton Dale 2nds, a result which means they are not yet confirmed as division ‘C’ champions.

A Cayton victory looked a formality as Dale were bowled out for 42 by Chris Pearson (3-9) and Levi Towell (3-17) but then the visitors succumbed a run short, all out for 41 as Paul Waring took 3-13 and Robin Boddy a stunning 4-4.

Second-placed Muston also lost – falling to a Scalby side who joined them on 158 points, 27 adrift of Cayton with two matches to play.

Daryll Morley (4-24) helped to bowl Muston out for 127 and Jack Boddy hit 84 not out to take Scalby to an eight-wicket win.

Forge Valley 4ths were a third team to not get a side out, Wykeham 3rds awarded the spoils.