PICKERING eased into second place in division one by gaining the better of a draw with Sheriff Hutton Bridge in the Hunters York & District Senior Cricket League.

There was another half-century for the Pikes’ dependable Colin Frank, who made 69, while Mark Aconley scored 60 not out in a total of 200-5.

Bridge’s most successful bowler was 17-year-old Mark Fisher, who took 3-34 in 14 overs.

Having rediscovered his batting form with a midweek century, Paul Scaling hit 85 as Bridge replied.

Adam Fisher weighed in with 27, but Dave Greenlay’s 4-52 tipped the scales in favour of the Pikes who were denied an outright win when Sheriff’s last man survived the final four deliveries in a total of 190-9.

Heworth kept in striking distance of the promotion zone and leapfrogged opponents Hornsea with a nine-wicket win at Elmpark Way.

Mark Bell claimed 4-10 in a miserly 11-over spell and fellow spinner Tom Forsdike claimed 3-18 as the visitors were all out for 127 in 38.2 overs.

The home side then lost a wicket with 11 on the board before Jonathon Draper (63no) and Jack Leaning (55no) combined in a rapid unbroken stand of 117 to see Heworth race to victory in only 18.5 overs.

York II maintained pole position with a four-wicket win at Bridlington.

The home batsmen struggled against the twin threat of Mike Mortimor (3-48) and Jonny Moxon (3-25).

Only Casey Rudd came to terms with the situation as he made 64 out of a total of 145.

York’s successful reply was led by Andy Kay, who made an unbeaten 59.

Clifton Alliance II moved out of the bottom two when they inflicted a nine-wicket thrashing on second-placed Hull Zingari, despite having to chase a target of 259-6.

At the halfway stage all the money was on the Hull side after four batsmen had revelled in the conditions.

Jack Storey led the way with 93 and had good support from Nick Biggs (43) and Andy Hamson (33).

John Myers took 4-71 for the home side, but then saw the visitors top out their innings in fine style as Jim Berridge hit an unbeaten 51 off 32 deliveries.

However, Myers then had the last laugh in no uncertain terms as he became one of two home centurions.

He had made 108 before Clifton lost their first wicket, being partnered in a 232 opening stand by Mark Taylor, who went on to reach 112 not out.

With Nick Hindle making 24 not out, the Alliance reached their winning score of 260-1 in 42.5 overs.