A couple more performances like Saturday’s when they happily plundered a massive 270-9 from a limp ‘Gate attack, and then bowled their visitors out for a less than adequate 145 - victory by 125 runs - could even see them rise a couple of places in the table, and perhaps overhaul close rivals Hull & YPI.

But after a season when Andrew Gale has been scarcely available, averaging over 40 for Yorkshire, and Richard Pyrah’s appearances have been spasmodic. Driffield will probably look back and say it was a season when several young players have pleasingly come to the fore which can only bode well for the future.

Two such players are Danny Broumpton, who has starred regularly for the East Yorkshire Joe Lumb U17 side, along with clubmate Nick Hardgrave - and both played their full part in Saturday’s win.

Broumpton has played several useful innings since coming into the side in recent weeks, but his 99 on Saturday was his biggest to date and he must count himself unlucky not to get to that magical three figures. But it will come.

Hardgrave, too, is maturing nicely with regular exposure to senior cricket, and must be classed a real prospect. His 4-25 return against the Harrogate batting, allied with Pyrah’s 3-33, had the visitors struggling, with the exception of top scorer Neil Linley (47).

On the batting side, Joe Fraser continues to be Mr Consistency. Every week he seems to be getting his thirties and forties, and this week was no exception, as he went on to make 54 before falling. With Mark Tennant hitting 40, the Driffield batting ensured that the bowlers had plenty to work with.

Not such a good day for the seconds, who lost by four wickets to Crayke, Ash Warner’s 47 the only highlight of their 113. Sam Drury hit back with 4-18 but it was not enough to gain Driffield the spoils as Crayke bid to stay out of the relegation places.

Better news from the thirds who confirmed their promotion from York Division 5a with a three wickets success over New Earswick II. Earswick owed their 125 all out total mainly to L Whitaker’s 41, but John Driskell’s 3-7 kept the target within limits. Even so, nerves may have played a part in chasing such a low total and it was thanks to Danny Cousins (45) and M Nesfield (25) that the thirds eventually stuttered over the finishing line on 126-7.

It’s also looking good for the Fourths who continue to top Division One of the East Yorkshire Alliance, 15 points ahead of second placed Hessle, with a game in hand. A win in Saturday’s game against Hessle should see them home and dry.

The fifths could not raise a team.