TITLE-CHASING Sheriff Hutton Bridge II had to settle for 24 York & District Senior League division three north points on Saturday in a rain-affected game at Malton & Old Malton II.

SHB declared on 173-4 after stalwarts Steve Crowder (82) and Mike Smith (55) impressed. Team-mate Tom Magee then took 3-23 but an unbeaten 71 from Martyn Woodliffe saw Malton gain a comfortable draw.

Leaders Easingwold were gifted the full 30 points when Whitkirk were unable to field a side.

On Monday, though, Easingwold's lead was cut to eight points as they draw with Huby while SHB beat Drax by 171 runs at Moor Farm.

Young opener Harry Sutcliffe made 30 before Nick Scaling cracked a rapid 67 as he and Mike Smith (60no) added 99 for Bridge's third wicket en route to 228-4 declared after 43 overs. Smith then grabbed 4-15 as Drax crashed to 19-6 and Dan Clipston’s 4-10 had them all out for 57.

On Monday, Malton's Tom Audsley took 4-29 as Woodhouse Grange II posted 161-9. In response, Alistair Blacklee made 45 and J Audsley 32 but Russ Bilton (4-16) pegged them to 139-9.

In division three south, Luke Welburn hit 86 in Pickering II’s 189-5 against Stamford Bridge II, whose Martin Veysey had 3-8 and Ben Beard 3-37. Stamford’s reply ended 81 runs short as Ady Boyes claimed 3-13 and Tony Evans 3-24.

The Pikes had to hang on for a draw on Monday, though, as Dave Fairbank (63) took Welton & Brough to 167-8. Ryan Taylor (38) and Charlie Marwood (30) responded but tJon Irvin (4-14) left Pickering on 130-9.

Stamford also had a losing draw against Civil Service, for whom Will Phelps hit 89 in a total of 214-6. Roddy Vann made 57 and Chris Smith 34 in the reply of 150-6.

In division four central, Duncombe Park II were bowled out for 99 at leaders Copmanthorpe II but were then saved as adverse weather prevented play after tea.

At Hovingham II, Sheriff Hutton II were bowled out for 94 by Sam Newton (4-9), George Wainwright (3-24) and Chris Ford (3-35), with only Robert Tetley (30) showing batting form.

Hovingham, who won that derby by eight wickets, sustained their promotion chase on Monday as Alistair Thorpe took them to victory with 46 not out after Paul Coull had made 43 in New Earswick’s stuttering 72-9.

Sheriff Hutton’s Neil Fairweather, previously with only 17 runs to his name in this tier, smashed a new club record 147 at Stillington to take his side to 245-4. The hosts replied with 179-3, Tim Jarvis (112) another centurion.