IN A weekend of mixed fortunes, Guisborough maintained their challenge for the Premier Division championship on Saturday when they defeated Middlesbrough by eight wickets, but their dream of playing at Lords in the National Club Championship came to an end on Sunday when they lost in the quarter final against Yorkshire Premier League leaders, Sheffield Collegiate.

New Guisborough professional David Towse was the match winner against Middlesbrough, taking five for 31 in 23 overs whilst Paul Goodchild took four for 59 from 22, as the visitors were all out for 92, of which West Indian professional Henderson Bryan scored 39.

The Priorymen had early shocks, losing Saul Clifford and Phil Ramage, but Graham Shaw hit 39 before retiring hurt and David Towse, showing his all-round ability, hit an undefeated 28 to secure a decisive victory by eight wickets.

On Sunday, at home to Sheffield Collegiate in the National Club Championship, a bumper crowd was entertained to an excellent game of cricket. Guisborough's hopes were high as Sheffield were nine for two after Paul Goodchild had claimed two early wickets, including that of former Yorkshire player Richard Kettleborough, but the Yorkshire League leaders recovered well through Priestley (45) and a well earned 107 from their captain, McKenna, to give them a total of 218 for three from their 45 overs. Guisborough started badly, losing Clifford, Ramage and Bolton for 19 runs, but Shaw (44), Towse (41) and Goodchild (31) raised their hopes for a short while. But, as wickets fell, they were eventually all out for 183 with the visitors going through to the semi-final by 35 runs.

l On Saturday, Guisborough are away to Marske.