STAXTON require only six more points from their last two matches to secure the Scarborough Beckett League premier division crown after their seven-wicket win over third-placed Forge Valley was coupled with defeat for closest rivals Heslerton.

They are odds-on to secure the title on Saturday as they go to lowly Filey.

Adrian Long claimed 5-24 as the Valley batsmen were all back in the pavilion for 74. Their first five wickets fell with only 19 runs on the board.

Replying, Staxton lost three early wickets but unbeaten knocks from Lindon Gray (36no) and Jodie Robson (24no) took them to victory.

Reigning champions Heslerton lost by 48 runs at Staithes. The hosts took advantage of a fast outfield and poor catching - seven chances going begging – to rattle up 255-7 off their 45 overs, including 40 boundaries.

Stuart Marsay, with eight fours and two sixes, hit all 44 of his runs in boundaries, putting on 73 with Richard Hegarty (38) for the first wicket in only 11 overs.

Simon Bowes later took control with a magnificent 101 not out including 12 fours and four sixes.

Andrew Slaughter bowled a good 13-over spell for 3-43.

In reply, Heslerton opener Michael Dawson reached 46 before the introduction of Stuart Marsay’s medium pace saw him caught behind after putting on 70 with Alex Carrie, who moved on to 74 before succumbing to a brilliant one-handed boundary catch by Paul Theaker.

A middle-order collapse put Heslerton out of contention as Marsay finished with 5-44. Only a sensible 30 from veteran Malc Spaven saw the visitors to full batting points as they finished on 207-9.

Jake McAleese (46) and Paul Woodhead (5-41) helped Cayton to beat Seamer by four wickets, despite 57 from the visitors’ Dave Graham.

Eddie Craggs (4-6) and Ian Atkinson (3-16) bowled Filey out for 63 to set up a nine-wicket win for Ebberston.

Flixton II need a miracle to avoid the drop after their loss by seven wickets at home to Kirkbymoorside.

Flixton were all out 107, Jack Walmsley (33) top-scoring as Jez Underwood (3-14) and Dan Jeminson (5-35) did the damage. Graham Jeminson (38no) and Dave Gardner (42) saw Kirkby to victory.

Flixton kept their slim hopes alive thanks to a two-wicket win over Filey on Sunday. Lee Elvidge took 3-41 as Filey were all out for 124. R Baldry took 4-28 in reply but Geoff Hill (44) and Leigh Franks (40) set up victory.