Castleford CC delivered a poor batting display as their Yorkshire Premier League North title hopes took a big dent with a thrashing by Sheriff Hutton Bridge.

Scott Hopkinson’s men suffered one of their heaviest defeats for some time as they were only able to muster 90 runs and were beaten by 10 wickets by opponents in third place.

They are on the heels of second-placed Castleford now and a 12-point gap has opened at the top with leaders Clifton Alliance winning again.

After being put in to bat first Cas stumbled with the loss of three early wickets and although young Yorkshire wicket keeper-batsmen Owen Smith battled to make 34 from 33 balls he struggled to find any support, with Nash Charles (15) the next highest scorer.

Owen Smith hit 34 in vain as Castleford were well beaten by Sheriff Hutton Bridge. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

placeholder image — Owen Smith hit 34 in vain as Castleford were well beaten by Sheriff Hutton Bridge. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

The innings was wrapped up in 26 overs and Sheriff Hutton Bridge took only 15.4 overs to knock off the runs they required with openers Oli Shepherd (41no) and Mark Fisher (47no) completing the job for them.

The tough games keep coming for Castleford as they now travel to play in-form York, who are in fourth, this Saturday. They also host Bradford League leaders New Farnley in the Heavy Woollen Cup on Sunday.

It was the opposite story for Castleford seconds as they raced to a seven-wicket success against Sherburn Eversley to maintain a 26-point lead at the top of the YPLN’s Division Two Ebor.

The unbeaten second team were on top from the start as their opponents were shot out for only 52 with Henry Henson (3-4), Findlay Anderson (3-4) and Chris Colley (3-29) doing the bulk of the damage.

Henson then top scored with 16 as Castleford eased home for their 12th victory of the season.