IT was a good night for the underdogs as the halfway stage was reached in the Sam Turner and Son Northallerton and District Evening League.

Leaders Silton were missing a few key players when they entertained East Harlsey, although the visitors were also not at full strength.

Harlsey batted first and, although Tim Howard was soon back in the pavilion for only one, Keith Wheldon (24) and Andy Brown (19) mounted a good recovery before Brown became the first of Paul Harper's victims in the eighth over with the score at 42-2.

Five wickets then fell for the addition of only 20 runs, Harper finishing with 3-21, identical figures to John Harper, who had also been pressed into action with the ball.

Simon Hill was now at the crease and he showed what a good eye he has for a ball as 44 runs came from the final five overs to take the visitors to 110-7.

Hill finished unbeaten having hit a rapid 33 which included three sixes and two fours.

Silton openers John Harper and Rob Cowton then both had their stumps rattled by George Kay (2-7) and, with Chris Ward picking up 2-33, the score stood at 41-4 after ten overs.

Although Harlsey were in the driving seat the match was still finely balanced at this stage, but a fine spell of bowling from Ravi Jayasuria (4-19), with good support from Rob Mould (2-21), turned things distinctly in Harlsey's favour and Silton were all out for 87 on the final ball of their 20 overs.

Ingleby Cross were looking to regain second place when they welcomed Leake, who were asked to bat first. Leake proceeded to make the most of the favourable conditions and Bernard Lowther and Alan Blackburn (32) put on 70 for the first wicket until the latter was out in the 12th over following a good catch by Adrian Hillary.

Richard Kirby came in at number three and combined with Lowther to put on exactly a century partnership for the second wicket as Leake compiled a mighty 170-1.

Lowther was 82 not out at the end and Kirby (34no) smashed the last three balls of Leake's 20 overs for six.

Ingleby then found the bowling of Andrew Chandler (4-23) and Bill Town (3-18) difficult to cope with and, at 49-7 after ten overs, Leake's victory was as good as sealed. John Leather and Adrian Hillary both made 19 in a late rally for the home side, but Kirby chipped in with 2-20 to complete a fine all-round performance and Ingleby were all out for 108 in the 18th over.

Rugby Club hosted Tickle Toby CD and, thanks to John Capps (33), Daniel Luck (26no) and skipper Geoff Cowton (23), made a useful 122-3 from their 20 overs.

When CD replied they were always struggling to keep up with the required run rate and, despite 38 from Albert Aurelius and 23 from Richard Hammerton, they were bowled out for 105 with two overs remaining.