FOLKTON & Flixton's hopes of breaking into the promotion picture in division one of the Hunters York & District Senior League were dented then boosted over the Bank Holiday weekend.

They lost on Saturday by 21 runs to high-flying rivals Acomb but then beat Sessay, another promotion-seeking side, by four wickets on Monday.

A fine innings from Matt Dale (79) helped Acomb to reach 190, despite success with the ball by Michael Hunter (4-40) and Jamie Nesfield (3-37).

Richard Malthouse (58) and Neil Elvidge (34) figured best in Flixton’s reply but Mark Bell took 4-33 and Joe Dale 3-31 to dismiss them for 169.

On Monday, Liam Carver (42) top-scored for Sessay as Chris Mann claimed 4-31. Chasing a total of 187, five Flixton batsmen produced the goods to gain a victory despite Carver’s 3-37. Early runs were provided by Elvidge (33), Malthouse (38) and Rob Lacey (33) before the cake was iced by Matt Nessfield (47 not out) and Stuart Stocks (30no).

Pickering stayed in the hunt when beating Bolton Percy in a low-scoring game.

Pickering were tumbled for 145 but then Bolton collapsed to 80 all out. Successful Pikes batsmen were Chris Nichol (35) and Colin Frank (46) while Jacob Green made 25 for Percy after earlier taking 5-28. His efforts were nullified by Mark Shepherd (4-20) and the evergreen Dave Greenlay, who grabbed four wickets for just six runs.

However, the Pikes' chances of catching the top two were blunted when their game at Whitkirk was called off after the hosts had made a first innings total of 123-6, Greenlay taking 3-29.

Relegation-threatened Malton & Old Malton posed title favourites Heworth few problems in a 102-run defeat on Saturday.

For Malton, Wayne Dawson took 3-39 and W Spencer 3-25 but their side were wiped away for 62 as Graham Knott pouched 5-11.

Nevertheless, 11th-placed Malt beat Bridlington by three wickets on Monday to boost hopes of avoiding the trapdoor.

Brid were all out for a below-par 121 as Wayne Dawson and Chris Hudson both returned 3-21. Sam Edmondson captured 4-25 in response but Dawson scored 43 and Shaun Harland 31 to lead the successful reply.

Former title hopefuls Duncombe Park are now looking over their shoulders at the chasing pack as they hang on to runners-up spot in division two north following a home defeat by Thirsk.

James Wilkinson took 5-58 and then hit 50 as Thirsk's six-wicket win ends Park's hopes of catching leaders Osbaldwick.

For Park, Peter Kent struck 71 but Wilkinson and Ben Elders (4-14) had them all out for 165. Mark Cook (58)and Wilkinson took the visitors to a winning 167-4.

Duncombe Park could then only draw with Woodhouse Grange II on Monday, landing only 18 points leaving their advantage over third place at only 20 points.

Sheriff Hutton were soundly beaten by both Hovingham and Thirsk over the weekend to fall to the foot of the division.

On Saturday, Tom Lund took 3-29 as Sheriff limped to 112 all out, then Stuart Prest made 58 not out in Hovingham's nine-wicket win.

On Monday, Sheriff Hutton were skittled for only 58 by Stuart Christon (7-11) and B Ellis (3-24) to set up a 10-wicket hammering.

Hovingham were soundly beaten at Ripon on Monday. Rob Taylor (67) top-scored in the hosts' 204-5 and G Bassitt followed his unbeaten 38 by capturing 5-26 as Hov succumbed for only 66.