BEVERLEY'S bid to avoid relegation from the York & District Senior League Premier Division was given a massive helping hand thanks to a four-wicket win over Fenner at Norwood.

Batting first at Beverley, Fenner lost a wicket with the first ball of the game when Graham Williamson was bowled by Alex Morrell.

However, they then enjoyed a 106-run partnership for the third wicket which was dominated by Dominic Rhodes (77), while his partner Steve Sargeant made 29.

Fenner suffered three run outs but had their total lifted to 206-6 in a reduced 47-over game by Will Rhodes, who completed his unbeaten 50 off the last ball of the innings.

Beverley's reply was then spearheaded by Jamie Mitchell who made an undefeated 60.

Assistance was provided by Jonathon Fisher with 37 and Ian Gilyon who made 36, before skipper Alan Acklam earned his side a valuable 30 points in their bid to avoid the drop by hitting a winning six in the 44th over.

Elsewhere, reigning champions Woodhouse Grange maintained their limited hopes of retaining their title when they won by six wickets at Goole Town.

Town's only bright point in the game was Ashley Hulme's 59no.

In Division One, Londesbrough Park look certain to accompany Ripon into Division Two after losing by nine wickets at home to Sheriff Hutton Bridge.

Calum Robertson made 25 but Londesbrough were reduced to 85-9, but a spirited last-wicket stand between Richard Foster and Darren Moody then boosted the total to 122 all out, which Bridge knocked off in 32 overs.

Bridlington were on the wrong end of a draw against Heworth, who batted first and made 201-9, with Joe Edmondson (3-63) and Casey Rudd (4-46) impressing with the ball for Brid.

Richard Lount 40 and Josh Mainprize 29 then showed some prowess with the bat but spinner Mark Bell grabbed 3-36 to reduce Brid to 134-8 at the close.

Third-placed Pickering also had the better of a draw but only just, as Driffield got to within one run of their opponents score in a thrilling finish.

In a 39-over game Pickering made 185-6. Driffield then showed their batting skills via Mark Clarkson 38, John Woolley 48 and Dave Woodcock 32 but Dave Greenlay ploughed in with 5-59 as Driffield closed on 184-9.

Hull Zingari won their clash with Hornsea as they overtook the Seasiders' 216-9 with five balls to spare. Paul Clappison made 54 and Richard Medforth 65 for Hornsea. Bowling honours went to Matt Bunn with 5-77 and Matt Wilkinson 3-50. In Zingari's successful response Mark Thompson and Ali Markham each made 79 with the latter not out at the end.

In Division Two, Beverley Town II beat Carlton to finally confirmed their relegation, while in Division Three, all-rounder Greg Fewster had a field day for Welton & Brough at Stillington where he hit an unbeaten 123 and then took 4-55 as his side won by 66 runs.

Nigel Redfern hit an unbeaten 125 as Hull YPI moved second in Division Three with an eight-wicket win over fellow promotion rivals Bolton Percy.