SHERIFF Hutton Bridge II moved quickly to beat the rain and secure a second successive promotion.

SHB posted a quick finish when they thrashed near neighbours Stillington by eight wickets before the heavens opened to secure promotion from division three north of the Hunters York & District Senior League.

The victory also gives them a great chance of lifting the divisional honours this weekend as they took a nine-point lead over Easingwold II, who are also promoted.

Barry Milburn hit 31 for Stillington but was devoid of support as his side were whipped out for only 69. A trio of bowlers combined their talents to achieve this with Mike Smith taking 4-28, Alex Ibbotson 3-12 and Dan Clipston 3-16. Smith then followed with 33 not out before Nick Scaling clinched the victory with a six.

Easingwold lost top spot when their game against Malton & Old Malton was another of the games ended by the weather.

They had posted a commanding 241-4 with Andrew Metcalfe making a second century of 100 not out. Charles Ramsey gave the main support with 64. Malton’s reply failed to start. On Saturday, SHB II go to Sessay II, who have just missed out on promotion in third, while Easingwold II visit Drax, who need a victory to have any chance of staying up.

In division three south, lowly Pickering II were dismissed for 116 by visiting Goole II, whose reply of 22-0 was cut short by the weather. There were Pikes runs from Ryan Taylor, who made 50, and D Ward with 29, but the first-half plaudits went to Scott Thorpe with 5-22 and Jason Greaves with 3-48.

Relegated Stamford Bridge II had New Earswick II on 74-3 when that game likewise was abandoned. Andy Routledge was unbeaten on 46.

In division four central, new champions Copmanthorpe II took first innings against Sheriff Hutton II and totalled 196. Darren Hughes made 46 and Andrew Northfield 39 as Steven Savkovic claimed 3-24 and D Budarayavan 5-72. The game was abandoned upon completion of the first innings due to rain. Jeremy Lascelles was unbeaten with 40 in Duncombe Park II’s 56-0 in the match against Hovingham II when that game was curtailed.