Tennant knock vital in last-over thriller

BARNSLEY'S hopes of preventing York from capturing a fourth successive title hang by the thinnest of threads after they lost their table-topping contest by four wickets at Shaw Lane.

All the unbeaten leaders need to do is avoid defeat on Saturday at Clifton Park against a Hull side beaten in their last 13 matches and the title is theirs.

Barnsley must have known their bid to become the first Yorkshire League side to defeat York this season was doomed when they were dismissed for 136 in 52.1 overs, despite a valiant 74 from Simon Widdup who hit 10 fours an a six.

Dan Woods took four wickets and when York batted there were a few scares before they reached their target after 51 overs with four wickets to spare.

Scarborough, who have struggled for consistency for much of the season, were involved in a nerve-jangling finish at Appleby Frodingham, where they won by three wickets with two balls remaining. The Scunthorpe side posted 187 in 52 overs with Simon Tennant taking 5-30 in 13 overs for Scarborough. Tennant then made a vital half-century and with Scarborough needing two runs off the final over, Hamish Evans duly obliged.

Yorkshire Academy were much too strong for hosts Driffield Town, who made their lowest score of the season as they were shot out for 59 in 23.1 overs, the innings lasting just 89 minutes. Alex Lilley (5-9 in six overs) and Dave Girling (3-12 in five overs) did the damage. Academy opener Alex Lees then carried his bat for 36 and the Academy won by nine wickets after 19.3 overs.

Harrogate, who are in freefall, went down to defeat by 83 runs at Castleford, who returned to winning ways.

Chris Young hit 57 and took six wickets for Castleford, John Randerson and Alex Romaniw sharing an unbroken partnership of 83. Chasing 202-6, Harrogate were bowled out for 173 in 50.4 overs but Vic Craven and James Tattersall went down fighting. Craven made 68, including nine fours, and Tattersall's share in a second-wicket stand of 107 was 48.

Sheffield Collegiate's Nick Gayhit a half-century at Cleethorpes but his team lost by 53 runs.

Sheffield United gained revenge for their home defeat against Hull in June with a 77 runs victory at Chanterlands.