Division One

LOWLY North Duffield pushed high-flying University of York Staff all the way in a bottom v top encounter.

They turned up at Heslington Lane with just nine players, including the newly registered Marlene Wilson, and bowled Staff out for 178 with John Patrick taking 4-30. Staff, who were indebted to Mumtaz Hussein (46 off 32 balls), Fazeel Anwar and some late hitting by Mo Saeed (46 off 35 balls), looked to have a routine win in their hands when both North Duffield openers were out for ducks. The seventh Duffield wicket fell at 116 but last pair Dave Bielby (43no) and Roy Bramley (32) inched their side to within 13 runs of a sensational victory when Bramley fell to a spectacular return catch by Salman Syed.

Staff took over at the top from Clifton Alliance whose 156-6 was not enough to hold off Drax. Richard Hunter (43) and Robert Thorpe (31) helped Alliance recover from 17-2 but Kevin Thomas (44) and Luke Edwards (37) ensured a comfortable Drax win.

Barmby Moor opener Barry Shepherdson hit 65 as the champions made an impressive 213-4 which proved well beyond the scope of Bishopthorpe. With Paul Stubley (48) and Dave Brent (33no) also making solid contributions, Moor simply had too much overall batting power for the Bishops who were then bowled out for 106.

After keeping Wheldrake to 160-9, Hemingbrough lost two wickets in Matt Mellor’s opening over and never fully recovered, losing by 23 runs. Ali Carter’s 51 was the highlight of Wheldrake’s innings but the lower order failed to build on his effort with James Doughtery coming on to take 4-46.

After Mellor struck with the first and sixth deliveries of the Hemingbrough innings, Matt Milburn’s 40 got the visitors back on track but despite Leyton Hallam’s unbeaten 38 their line-up subsided to 137 all out.

Division Two

Westow skipper Mark Earle dominated Acomb with both bat and ball.

He claimed 5-47 as the York-based side were restricted to 141-9 then hit 72no to knock off the runs with fellow opener Andrew Welford (59no) inside 28 overs. Ben Taylor also returned impressive figures of 9-4-13-2 for Westow.

But Earle’s effort was overshadowed by North Cave ’s James Ferguson who scored 80 in his side’s 231 against ten-man Askham Bryan who were skittled for 30, Ferguson returning 8-12 from 4.2 overs.

Chris Carr (41) backed up Ferguson ’s knock while Pete Wood took 4-47. Any hope Askham had vanished in Ferguson ’s opening over as he took three wickets. That set the tone of Askham’s effort as Ferguson took four more wickets in his fourth over – seven Askham batsmen recording ducks as they were bowled out in just 8.2 overs.

Copmanthorpe maintained their momentum at the top with a good win against Ovington. Third wicket pair Andy Godfrey (74) and Chris Groom (50) put on 104 to set up their side’s 185-8. Ovington’s reply got off  to a good start but John Hughes (4-25) ensured Cop won by 64 runs.

Alan Baldock had a terrific game for Fulfordgate, scoring 92 against a youthful Heworth side featuring five Under-15s. His knock lifted Gate to 181-9, Martin Boothroyd and Charlie Binns each taking three wickets. Baldock then took 3-15 in ten overs to see his side win by 30 runs.

Ten-man Ben Johnson mustered just 98 against Kelfield who made heavy weather of victory, recovering from 12-3 to creep home with just a couple of wickets in hand.

Division Three

Stillingfleet wrapped up a long-overdue victory when Rob Murray (84no) and Chris Warner (46no) put on an undefeated 125 in 16 overs against Burton Salmon.

The flat wicket and short boundaries were to batsmen’s liking with Salmon openers David Thornton (49) and Steve Warner (48) enjoying a 122-run partnership as the home side totalled 186-5. But that proved below par as Stillingfleet cruised home by eight wickets inside 30 overs.

Steve Fraser made 68 as Stockton & Hopgrove made 168-7 against Thorpe Willoughby whose Dave Watson took 4-49. Thorpe were well placed at 73-2 but the introduction of Rich Grimes (5-39) condemned them to defeat.

Edward Oliver and Tim Blackmore both scored 52 in Melbourne ’s win against Hirst Courtney. They put on 103 for the first wicket to see Melbourne breeze past Hirst’s 147 all out which featured 56 from B Howard.

Selby’s Paul Wadsworth grabbed 5-45 against Drax II who managed 127-9 thanks to Brian Knight’s 46. Twelve-year-old left-arm spinner Jack Rich also took 2-29 in 14 overs. Selby openers Steve Cruise (65no) and Gareth Pearce (35) were quickly into their stride as the  Sandhill Lane men roared to a nine-wicket win.

Hemingbrough II’s Mark Allitt top scored with 43 in their 170 against Thixendale whose opening bowler James Wigby claimed 5-41 off 15 overs. Despite being in a strong position, Thixendale fell away, closing on 147-9.

Division Four

Experienced Anton Rogers (75) and Kishaw Solanki (53no) were the bedrock of Heworth II’s 210-4 against Thorp Arch & Boston Spa – their highest score for some time. Heworth’s young bowling attack then got to work as seven wickets were taken by players under 15 as TABS were bowled out for 168 although No10 batsman Chris Kitson gave them a scare with an unbeaten 49.

Leaders Bishopthorpe II enjoyed a comfortable win against nearest rivals Welton & Brough to open up a 40-point gap at the top. The Bishops’ attack made light work of a Welton batting line-up that has amassed 200 runs several times this season with John Latimer’s 4-13 seeing the East Yorkshire side all out for 109 after Mark Pilmoor claimed two early wickets.

Tom Hodgson maintained his fine form with 59 to take Malton & Old Malton to victory against Copmanthorpe II whose solid batting saw them post 186-5. That didn’t prove enough as Malt won in 35.2 overs.

Wheldrake II successfully defended a meagre total of 91 against Woodhouse Grange in a match featuring17 junior players.

A fine opening spell by Harry Collins (4-10), supported by younger brother Freddie (2-10), followed by father Andy’s 3-17 always had Wheldrake struggling. But Grange also struggled to get the ball off the square, being bowled out for 83 with Kevin Dent taking 3-23.

Pocklington slid from 106-3 to 140 all out against Goole, whose Oscar Sugden took 3-4 in four overs. Chris Saltmer (38) top scored for Pock whose total was simply not enough as captain Scott Biggs (36no) saw Goole home with six wickets and 17 overs in hand.

Division Five

The season’s first tie came at Stockton & Hopgrove II where home opener Tony Kerrison made 67 and Dan Reardon 48 in 185-6 against Tadcaster Magnet, who earned a share of the spoils thanks to an unbeaten 50 by Joe Smyth after openers Richard Laver (42) and Mick Cowling (46) had given his side a good start.

Huntington openers Carl Fernandez (77) and Murray Coyle (55) put on 110, Stu Ross carrying on the good work with six sixes in his 67 in a total of 288-8 against a young Selby side who put up the shutters against Huntington ’s eight-man attack, closing on 88-6. Thirteen-year-old Edward Townend top scored for Selby with 31 while Jamie Ross took 3-25 off eight overs for Huntington .

Despite Ben Busby’s 4-50 Ovington II were well beaten at home by York RI who set 190-6 with good contributions from most of their top order. Ovington struggled against RI’s seven-man bowling attack and were bowled out for 103.

Burn II’s encounter with Thorpe Wiloughby II was dominated by batsmen on a flat wicket. Thorpe rattled up 188-4 after losing both openers for ducks with Tim Crockford leading the fightback with 77. It looked a decent score at tea but proved nowhere near enough as Darren Miller’s hard-hitting 61 saw Burn home in 32 overs.

Malton & Old Malton II were too strong for Askham Bryan II on Sunday. Chris parker top scored for Askham with 47 in their 177-4, but Peter Clarkson (68no) teamed up with 15-year-old Liam Hartas (35no) to guide Malt to a seven-wicket win.

Guy Mitchell Cup

First round

Bishopthorpe emerged as last over victors in a good game against Ovington who totalled 164-7 with Ben Morrison striking 50.

It was a challenging total but a 64-run partnership between Ovington old boy Ian Holmes (60no) and Ross Kelly (44) enabled Bish to win by five wickets with five balls to spare.

The Bishops will entertain Burn in the semi-finals on Sunday, July 26. The other semi is between Drax and Askham Bryan.

Headley Memorial Trophy

First round

Huntington ’s bowling proved far too good for York RI who were rolled over for 73- opener Bryan Sellars making a brave 36. Jamie Ross was the star bowler with 4-9 in four overs.

Stu Ross (31) then clattered 22 off the first over of Huntington ’s innings to help speed his side to a four-wicket victory inside ten overs. The only consolation for RI was a first career hat-trick for 15-year-old Steven Littlewood near the end.

Huntington will take on Burn II on Sunday, August 9, for a place in the final against either Carlton Towers or Thorp Arch & Boston Spa.

Week 9 - Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21

Stands of 84 between James Dougherty (55) and Matthew Milburn (62) and then 110 between Milburn and Matty Clark (72) laid the foundations before Josh Jackson smashed 45 off 16 balls to see ‘Brough total 291-9. Kelfield were never in the hunt, folding for 83 as Hemingbrough held seven catches.

Like several games, North Duffield ’s match with University Staff was reduced from 40 overs by the weather. Trevor Britain struck 52 as Duffield posted 121-7, not a bad effort with a wet outfield. The Uni made short work of the total with Salman Syed notching eight fours in his rapid 48 and Kamran Ghani 36no as Staff won with more than nine overs to spare.

Barmby Moor opener Mike Brent (49) gave his side a good start against Clifton Alliance and his side finished on 171-4 boosted by late runs from Adrian Stancer (32no) and Dave Brent (37no). It was enough to win by 20 runs despite Ali Wray’s 52 for Alliance who slide from 104-2 to 150-8 at the close.

Copmanthorpe had struggled to 43-4 off ten overs against Heworth when the heavens opened and the match was abandoned. The teams replayed the tie as a 20 overs game on Tuesday night and it produced a real thriller. Heworth posted 134-4 with Greg Sykes scoring a superb 67 and had Cop at 19-4 but the home side recovered thanks to Chris Groom (60no). With three overs remaining Cop needed 27 and whittled the target down to 11 at the start of the last over. They eventually won a dramatic contest by four wickets with one ball to spare.

Scothern Construction Cup

Woodhouse Grange pulled off a big upset by beating Fulfordgate from two divisions above in the second round of the Scothern Construction Cup. Alan Baldock (36) and Mark Hancy top scored in Gate’s 150-7 which featured 3-31 by 16-year-old debutant Tom White Wicketkeeper batsman Dan Wilson hit his maiden fifty (56) in senior cricket to see Grange home with four overs and three wickets to spare despite a late three-wicket burst by Max Henderson (3-9).

A fine all-round performance by Ian Underwood (60no and 3-8) was the cornerstone of Melbourne ’s 70-run win against Selby. With Tim Blackmore (42) and Eddie Oliver (34) also making major contributions, Melbourne totalled 192-6. Selby were soon in the mire at 41-6 but skipper Malcolm Bowden (31) staged a recovery as his team were bowled out for 122.

A penetrating all-round bowling display by Thorpe Willoughby saw Drax II all out for 91, Dave Watson bowling seven maidens in his ten overs for 2-11. Nasir Shefta sped Thorpe home in 23 overs with an unbeaten 55.

North Cave ’s decision to put Malton & Old Malton in on a damp pitch paid dividends as the Ryedale side were bowled out for 99, Alister Blacklee score more than half the runs with 54. John Buttle took 3-11 in eight overs for Cave who took just 18 overs to knock off the runs for the loss of three wickets. Openers Craig Hewson (43) and Richard Moore (34) got the innings off to a flying start and Cave didn’t take their foot off the gas.

Prendergast Memorial Trophy

Thixendale held all the aces in their ten-wicket thumping of Hemingbrough II in the Prendergast Memorial Trophy. Nathan Bell (4-28) and George Harrison (3-20) had the most success as ‘Brough were turned over for 87. Openers James Dakin (58no) and Les Milburn (25no) then led the charge as Thixendale won in 14 overs.

Hirst Courtney overpowered Burton Salmon. Adam Buxton (67) and Adrian Davies (39) shone as Salmon reached a competitive 160-7 but openers Philip Alford (63) and Tony Hinch (58), who both retired injured, soon set Hirst on the road to a ten-wicket victory.

Acomb’s youngsters won their first game of the season by beating Stillingfleet by three wickets, Paul Hughes (31) and 15-year-old debutant Dan Green (3-11) being the decisive performers. Callum Crawford also marked his 15th birthday by taking two wickets, two catches and scoring 23 not out.

Steve Fraser (54) and Pete Fairclough (25) gave Stockton & Hopgrove a good start against Heworth II before Phil Thistleton cracked an unbeaten 93 to see his team to an impressive 223-3. Despite Kishaw Solanki’s 62no, Heworth finished 54 runs short on 168-7.

Premier Sports Cup

Teenager Ryan Partington smashed a brilliant unbeaten 92, and Neil Brooke 52 not out, in a 134-run fourth-wicket partnership as Copmanthorpe amassed 260-3 against Pocklington in the Premier Sports Cup. Pock were never in the game as first-change bowler Roy Atkinson grabbed a hat-trick in his 6-20. Andy Walker top scored for Pock with 34.

Welton & Brough’s opening batsmen Steve Bedford and Mark Vaughan defied the rain to score 44 each in their side’s 137 off 20 overs against Askham Bryan II. Mike Hodgkinson and junior Prateek Sharma both took three wickets apiece for Askham whose reply never got going and were bowled out for 74, Tom Foster taking 3-8.

Ovington II’s Ben Janes batted well for 36, but following his dismissal, Ovington were reduced to 93-7 by Wheldrake II. Craig Theaker (35), supported by the late order saw Ovington close on 151-9. Wheldrake’s youngsters fielded well, taking six catches in support of Nick Myers (4-23) and Chris Preece (3-28). Richard Allman took 5-24 and Craig Theaker weighed in with 3-34 to send Wheldrake II to a 70-run defeat.

Tadcaster were wrecked by bowler Derrick Slack’s 8-4-4-4, leaving league results officer Andy Copeland to ease Bishopthorpe II to victory with an undefeated 45 as his side easily overhauled Tad’s 76.

Mitchell Cup

Drax had too much firepower for Wheldrake in the Mitchell Cup as Scott Sim (84) and Rich Watson (78) put on 160 in an explosive third wicket partnership against ten-man Wheldrake. Matt Mellor was the pick of the Wheldrake bowlers with 4-31. Needing 199 to win, Wheldrake made a decent start but were undermined by 15-year-old off-spinner Mat Torn (6-28) as Wheldrake slid from 72-1 to 115 all out.

Westow let a good position slip away against Burn II, collapsing to 143 all out after openers Mark Earle (46) and Andrew Welford (44) put on 84. The damage was done by Ashley Abbott and Matt Smith who took five wickets each to set up a four-wicket win. Ed Clark top scored in Burn’s winning reply with 44.

Headley Memorial Cup

Burn II used ten bowlers in their nine-wicket victory against Selby II in the Headley Memorial Cup. Selby’s youngsters were restricted to 120-5, Phil Jolly (37) and 12-year-old Alex Bowden (26no) being the main contributors. Burn openers Geoff England (39no) and Darren Miller (37) soon took the game away from Selby.

Thorp Arch & Boston Spa recorded their first win of the season by beating Goole Town by 70 runs. The match was switched to Tadcaster as both TABS and Goole’s grounds were hosting representative games. TABS successfully defended 110 with some excellent bowling by Jacob Tomlinson (4-14) and Billy Foulkes (2-3).

Good knocks by Needham (56), Woffenden (32) and Stephen Carr (33no) saw Carlton Towers run up 190-6 against Stockton & Hopgrove II, whose James Kerrison took 3-31. Although Dan Reardon struck 48, Stockton found Cockerham (4-13) too hot to handle and were bowled out for 146.

Week 8 – Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14

Division One

Clifton Alliance moved to the top of division one by beating Barmby Moor by 22 runs. Solid batting, led by Paul Walton (42) saw Alliance reach 162-7, then a great opening burst by bowlers Walton and Rich Marshall (5-52) reduced Moor to 46-6 before Paul Stubley’s half century earned the champions respectability.

Adam Prescott (55no) top scored in Burn’s 202-6 against Wheldrake who finished on 177-4 thanks to an unbeaten 80 by opener James Rouse.

Teenagers Scott Reeves (4-39) and Tom Eckhart set up Bishopthorpe’s five-wicket win on  a tricky pitch against North Duffield. Duffield were bowled out for 111 with only Tony Moore (42) and David Bielby showing much fight. Moore included five fours and two sixes in his lower order knock. Bishopthorpe knocked the runs off in 28 overs, losing five wickets in the process before Reeves brought matters to a rapid end with two massives sixes.

Josh Jackson struck four sixes and eight fours in his unbeaten 76 to lift Hemingbrough to 237-7 against Drax. He figures in a 76-run stand with 15-year-old Tom Collins for the sixth wicket. Luke Edwards (86) led the Drax chase but they fell shrt.

Division Two

Copmanthorpe stepped up their promotion drive with an impressive victory at Fulfordgate.

The second leaders had Gate on the rack from the off with Chris Hall and Matty Howden reducing the hosts to 25-3 before Mike Walker came on to take 5-40. Needing 119 to win, Cop lost Matty Howden to Alan Baldock with the first ball of the innings but recovered from 6-2 to win thanks to a rapid 76 not out from Andy Godfrey.

While Cop won, nearest rivals Askham lost their unbeaten record at Westow where they were bowled out for just 64, David Coverdale taking 4-27. Earlier, Barry Thistleton hit 55 in Westow’s 166.

Despite an unbeaten 88 from Greg Sykes, Heworth were restricted to 148-4 at Kelfield whose openers Matty Walker (83no) and Phil Smith (68no) swept lowly Kelfield to a stunning win, Smith smashing 26  (five fours and a six) off Dave Baker’s second over. Walker tonked seven sixes as Kelfield powered home in the 13^th over.

Danny Cameron’s 67 and 47 from Bhuddi Morando led Ben Johnson’s charge to 182-9 against North Cave who fell well short against Steve Thornton (4-32).

Division Three

Hemingbrough II also came out on top in the clash against Drax II, defending 107 with a brilliant bowling performance as Andy Rowley’s 15-9-17-6 and 13-year-old leg spinner Rob Scarr’s 4-24 floored Drax II for 72.

Leaders Stockton & Hopgrove crushed Burton Salmon by 10 wickets, Pete Fairclough hitting an undefeated 55 and Steve Fraser 38 not out.

Jeffrey Romans (6-49), aided by three catches and a stumping by wicketkeeper Malcolm Bowden, bowled Selby to victory against Thorpe Willoughby whose Mark Seaman struck 66 and featured in an opening partnership of 72 with Granville North (30).

Hirst Courtney thrashed Thixendale as Phillip Alford and Duncan Headley put on 130 for the second wicket before Craig Lawson took 5-30 as Dale folded. James Wigby, who took 5-60 for Thixendale, was hit on the head while batting and was taken to hospital.

Last pair Room and Nick Eastoe edged Melbourne to a one-wicket win at Stillingfleet whose skipper Chris Woodfine took 5-44 in Melbourne’s 127-9.

Playing only his third game in senior cricket, 12-year-old Jacob Green notched his second unbeaten half century to earn Bishopthorpe II victory against Wheldrake II. Following his 50no on his debut he made an unbeaten 67 as his side made 143-9. Guy Mowbray then took 3-27 as Wheldrake were bowled out for 82.

Division Four

Thorp Arch & Boston Spa topped 200 for the first time this season with Alexander Bird and A Knight both scoring 48. But they were eclipsed by Copmanthorpe II whose Matt Oakes hit a career-best 120no. He put on 138 with fellow opener Neil Brook (30) before Kev Ryder (64no) joined him to finish the job.

Despite a brave 55 by Michael Barrett, Heworth fell four runs short of Goole’s 178-8 which featured 51 from Dane Neal.

Tom Hodgson’s 73 for Malton & Old Malton was not enough to stave off defeat against Woodhouse Grange whose Andy Collins came out of retirement to take 3-44 and make a decisive 34. Freddie Collins, aged 12, and Grange skipper Colin Smith put on 71 for the first wicket. Jack Chapman then weighed in with 36 as Grange won by four wickets with four balls to spare.

Welton & Brough recovered from 78-5 thanks to a partnership of 108 between Gareth Wilson (62) and Tom Foster (40) to post 235-8 against Pocklington whose Sam Vale was the most effective bowler with 5-66 while wicketkeeper Charlie Wilson took three catches. In-form Elliott Newby (43) shared two half-century partnerships woith Hugh Attwood (26) and Chris Bullock (31) but the Pock run chase ran out of steam as M Johnson bagged 5-58 in a 14-over spell.

Division Five

Malton and Old Malton II overpowered Carlton Towers with Under-15 bowler Peter Hopkins (4-8 off five overs) and Rob Moore (4-9 off 5.4 overs) doing the damage.

Askham Bryan II’s Mike Hodgkinson returned figures of 10-4-15-8 as Ovington II crashed dramatically from 92-1 to 108 all out, leaving the villagers to win by seven wickets with 15 balls to spare, Mike Bains striking a chanceless half-century. Hodgkinson’s second spell of five overs saw him claim 8-4.

Nadeem Shefta’s 70 and 3-14 led leaders Thorpe Willoughby II to 48-run victory against nearest rivals Stockton & Hopgrove II made 110 after a poor start

Phil Batt struck 72no and John Madin (52 retired hurt) to guide Tadcaster to victory against Selby II whose 162-7 included 64 (four sixes) from Steve Whitehead who also took 3-40.

Simon Patridge’s 5-26, backed up by sharp York RI, fielding earned his side victory against Burn II. RI made 117 but Partridge’s effort saw Burn knocked over for just 78.

Week 7 – Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7

Division One

CLIFTON Alliance chased down a challenging target to beat Burn and maintain their momentum near the top of the HPH York Vale League first division.

Burn, 68-1 after 15 overs, lost three quick wickets before Adam Prescott (59no) and Martin Trevaskiss saw them close on 192-7. Alliance, promoted last season, were behind the asking rate at 99-2 with 15 overs remaining but Matthew Phillips (71) smacked four sixes and six fours to wrap up a six-wicket victory.

University of York Staff made the most of being put in by Drax, posting a massive 262-8. Mumtaz Hussein (72 of 49 balls) and Leon Loveridge (54) set the tone with an opening partnership of 112 and the big hitting was continued by Afaq Ahmed (73 of 47 balls). Thanks to Luke Edwards (47) and Steve Smith (43) Drax made a rapid response but they lost wickets at regular intervals and fell well short as Staff were able to use nine bowlers.

Barmby Moor wrapped up a comfortable win after Dave Brent returned excellent figures of 11-2-18-6 to restrict North Duffield to 122-9 on a damp wicket. But the champions were denied maximum bowling points and just missed out on striking a six at the death which would have earned them an extra batting point.

A partnership of 127 between Chris Walker (87) and Dave Cockerill (37) on a drying track lifted Wheldrake to 169-4 – Ian Holmes taking 3-32 - but Ross Kelly (67) and Ben Smith (33) responded for winners Bishopthorpe with a stand of 92.

British Sugar have folded and resigned from the league. Click this link for full details.

Division Two

Neil Metcalfe was the star as Ovington crushed Ben Johnson by eight wickets. The opening bowler grabbed 7-34 as BJ were knocked over for 87.

Copmanthorpe’s Mike Walker held his nerve to score an unbeaten 46 as Copmanthorpe gained a low-scoring win against Westow whose Mark Earle had ripped out the top order with 5-30. Westow were bowled out for 105, Matthew Howden taking 3-19, but Earle’s burst reduced Cop to 72-7 only for Walker to help the tail through to the end.

Despite Phil Smith’s 39 and 4-55, Kelfield were beaten by North Cave whose Craig Hewson quickly added 38no to a superb catch and a run out. Charlie Cockin took 3-25 as Kelfield were restricted to 102. At 37-5 Cave looked in trouble but Hewson and Tom Baxter (29no) took control with an unbroken sixth-wicket partnership.

Matthew Huffer’s unbeaten 77 was the backbone of Heworth’s win at Acomb. Bowlers from different ends of the age spectrum - 60-year-old Dave Baker and 14-year-old Charlie Binns, each took three wickets as Acomb struggled to 122.

Division Three

Stockton & Hopgrove were in control at Thixendale where Rich Grimes (4-16) and a trio of wickets for both Dan Fairclough and Ian Smith bowled the home side out for 79 leaving S&H to win by seven wickets with 16 overs in hand.

Matt Beevers struck an undefeated 54 as Melbourne made 129 against Selby whose Jeffrey Romans took 4-25. Beevers’ knock proved crucial as Selby mustered 107 with Mark Kidd taking the final wicket to finish with 4-33. He was well supported by Mal Harrison (3-20) while Tom Rich hit an unbeaten 33 for Selby.

Burton Salmon recorded their first win of the season by beating fellow strugglers Drax II. Steve Warner (63), Ian Buxton (41) and David Thornton (35) led Salmon to 192-6 and despite 59 from opener James Brook, Drax lost by 13 runs as Adrian Davies and Colin Driscoll took three wickets each. Aiden Collbeck took 3-36 for Drax.

Division Four

Bishopthorpe II claimed the outright leadership of division four on Sunday when Ben Smith’s run-a-ball 70 led them to victory against Goole whose Grant Hooghimistra top scored with 30. Smith followed his 3-29 in nine overs with his fourth half-century of the season and was well backed up by John Latimer (37).

Youngster Ashley Cattle grabbed 5-19 as Woodhouse Grange successfully defended their 120-9 against Copmanthorpe, who were edged out despite James Brook’s half century.

Eighteen-year-old Joe Irvin (51) scored his maiden Vale League fifty as he and Howard Kingdom lifted Welton & Brough to 205-9 against fellow newcomers Thorp Arch & Boston Spa. TABS maintained an interest as openers John Orell (76) and Graham Casey (63) put on 131 but finished 30 runs shy.

Division Five

The weekend’s only century came in division five where Burn II opener Ed Clark’s 103 guided his side to victory against Huntington. Clarke and Darren Miller (47) put on 103 for the first wicket as Burn made 185-3, Colin Stockport taking all the wickets to fall. Darren Willis (56), Steve Dale (40) and Stockport (30) all made significant contributions in Huntington’s total of 180.

Selby II lifted themselves off the bottom with Jamie Middleton (4-24) and Barry Fewster (43no) the key performers in against Malton and Old Malton II.

Chris Tune hit 68 and Graham Haigh took 4-23 as Ovington II beat Tadcaster Magnet by 78 runs. Phil Batt grabbed 5-41 for Tad.

Leaders Thorpe Willoughby II saw off York RI after Darren Crockford took 4-38. RI started well enough but lost four wickets with the score on 36 as Khalid Shefta struck with a triple wicket maiden and their final total of 121-9 was not enough. Although Jonathan Latham took 3-18, Nadeem Shefta (36no) ensured a four-wicket win.

Dan Reardon’s unbeaten 56 saw Stockton & Hopgrove past Carlton Towers. Towers made 139-9 thanks to an unbeaten 68 by Needham, but Stockton had a bit more extra batting strength to win with three overs to spare.

Graham Headley Memorial Cup

Preliminary round

After shining with the bat on Saturday, Dan Reardon shone with the ball for Stockton & Hopgrove II the following day against Thorpe Willoughby II.

After Darren Crockford (65) and Khalid Shefta (26) got Thorpe off to a flying start, Reardon came on to break the opening partnership and finished with 6-25 as Thorpe were all out in the final over for 159.

It was a testing target but Dan Collinson (47) and skipper Steve Duckworth (31no) held off the threat of Crockford (3-19 in nine overs) to win with 15 deliveries remaining. Thorpe were left to rue dropped catches – including three in an over.

Week 6 – May 30 and 31

Division One

BATSMEN in the HPH York Vale Cricket League made hay while the sun shone at the weekend.

In the first division, champions Barmby Moor were beaten for the first time this season after being hammered by University of York Staff ’s in-form Salman Syed, who made 106 before being run out. His second ton of the season saw Staff reach 230-7 with Leon Loveridge chipping in with 44. Moor skipper Dave Brent took 3-67 and his team began their reply steadily with Barry Shepherdson making 58. When he was out Moor fell away and despite Adrian Stancer (29) and T Smith (36no) putting on 65 for the seventh wicket, Moor falling 40 short after losing their last four wickets in 12 deliveries. Gul Khan took 3-14 and M Farrukh was stranded on the hat-trick ball with 3-17

Consistent Paul Atkinson notched 69 as Clifton Alliance took closer order near the top with victory against Wheldrake. Atkinson’s five innings this season had produced scores of 70, 63, 16no, 60 and 69. Matt Mellor (35) and Callum Dent (33) top scored in Wheldrake’s 150-8 but Atkinson’s latest effort saw his side win by five wickets with 10 balls to spare.

Teenage spinner Dan Montgomery (5-30) claimed four wickets in an over as Drax romped home against Bishopthorpe with opener Keith Powell hit three sixes and 12 fours in his 84. Montgomery was backed up by Paul Smith’s 4-41 as Bish were bowled out for 148 with Marcus Whitmore top scoring with 46.

Ray Adamson (78) and Rob Webster (55) put on 119 for the third wicket as Burn took advantage of five dropped catches to defeat Hemingbrough. At 135-2 Burn looked set for a huge score but Hemingbrough’s bowlers hit back and only a rapid 28 from Jamie Bingle lifted Burn to 233. Heminghbrough looked out of it at 94-5 after 20 overs but Josh Jackson (45) and Tom Collins (27) counter-attacked but the introduction of Bingle (3-12) enabled Burn to win by 67 runs.

Troubled British Sugar once again had to concede their game at home to North Duffield .

Division Two

Peter Wood (81no and 4-38) inspired leaders Askham Bryan to a six-wicket win against Kelfield, whose skipper Neil Atkinson scored an unbeaten 75. Askham are the only side in the league still to b beaten this season.

John Hughes also had a terrific all-round game with 77 and 4-16 in nine overs in Copmanthorpe’s 87-run victory against Acomb. Hughes, backed by Mike Walker ’s 39, reached 203-6. Acomb looked dangerous at 72-2 but Hughes, in tandem with Chris Hall (3-26) ensured victory.

Greg Sykes made 50 and Peter Fairburn 41 in Heworth’s 160-4 against Ovington whose top order were blown away by Martin Boothroyd (4-10) and never fully recovered. Richard Allman had a good match for the Little Knavesmire-based side with 38 and 4-68.

A superb unbeaten 122, which included 21 boundaries, from Martin Reynolds saw Ben Johnson crush Fulfordgate whose last wicket fell with the final ball of the day to earn the printers maximum points. Steve Wragg also made 55 in BJ’s 264-4 as Fulfordgate used eight bowlers in an effort to stem the tide. Alan Baldock top scored for Gate with 43 but with Bhuddi Morando taking 4-27 BJ’s won by 101 runs.

North Cave crushed Westow by nine wickets, restricting the Ryedale side to 154-4 with Craig Hewson taking 3-29 after tight opening spells by Richard Tomlinson and John Buttle. Ben Holtby (42no), Mark Earle (38) and David Coverdale (26) were Westow’s main contributors. Cave knocked the runs off in just 18 overs with openers Rob Page (50no) and Richard Moore (31) putting on 59 before an explosive innings from James Ferguson sped Cave to victory. Ferguson unbeaten 69 included six sixes and eight fours.

Division Three

Stockton & Hopgrove captain Rich Kerrison scored 134 not out – his maiden ton - as Drax II were thrashed by 171 runs. He hit 19 fours and three sixes, putting on an unbroken stand of 159 with his brother Dave as Stockton piled up 257-4. Dan Fairclough then took 5-31 as Drax folded for just 86.

Sixty of Adrian Brader’s 69 for Thixendale against Selby came in boundaries while Dean Tyler’s 4-56 ensured the villagers won by 24 runs. Thixendale were bowled out for 160 in the final over after good work by 13-year-old leg spinner Jack Rich (4-60) and Jeff Romans (3-18). But despite Steve Cruise’s 57 Selby fell short.

Craig Lawson had a four-wicket haul as Hirst Courtney defeated Stillingfleet, who were bowled out for 125 in pursuit of Hirst’s 171-6 which had been set up by Duncan Hedley’s elegant top 58 and Lawson’s grafting 42. Chris Warner had a fluid 36 for Fleet, but Lawson (4-45) and David Howsam (3-46) bowled Hirst to victory.

Despite Steve Warner’s unbeaten 74, Burton Salmon crashed to their fifth successive defeat as they lost to Thorpe Willoughby whose Martin Cooke made 54.

Hemingbrough II beat Melbourne by five wickets after their bowlers knocked Melbourne over for 105 in 34.1 overs, Paul Smales having the best figures with 3-22. At 62-5, Hemingbrough’s reply looked unstable but Malc Walker (40no) ensured there were no further alarms.

Division Four

Copmanthorpe II snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Wheldrake II who were bowled out for 103 with John Traves taking 6-28. But Cop looked beaten at 62-9 until last man Chris Hall smashed an unbeaten 36 off just 12 balls which included two sixes and five fours. That was tough on Harry Codling (4-36) and Kevin Dent (3-25) who, backed by excellent catching, had bowled Wheldrake to the brink of victory.

Woodhouse Grange set a challenging 184-8 against Bishopthorpe II but Andy Spence followed his 4-51 with a match-winning unbeaten 75. Jack Chapman (46) and Ashley Cattle (44) narrowly missed half centuries for Grange but were eclipsed by Spence and a quickfire 51, which came off just 14 scoring strokes, by John Latimer.

Malton & Norton were left to rue dropped catches as Heworth posted a winning 168-6 with skipper Jamie Ingham scoring 68 not out as well as claiming three victims behind the stumps. In a tense climax, the visitors, led by Adam Hill’s undefeated 36, fell 16 runs short as they were bowled out in the final over.

All-rounder Pete Eastwood (53no and 4-28) led Pocklington to victory against a youthful Thorp Arch & Boston Spa. His knock, supported by Elliott Newby (48) and Joe Richmond (35no) lifted Pock to 198-6. Eastwood and Chris Saltmer (3-28) restricted TABS to 143 – Chris Foulkes top scoring with 29.

A second wicket stand of 92 by Mattie Glew (52) and Steve Bedford (61) followed by a rapid 36 by Tom Foster saw Welton & Brough post 205-4 against Goole. A stubborn father-and-son partnership between Chris Sugden (44) and Louis Sugden (41) kept Goole in the hunt but the introduction of Glew (3-8 in six overs) earned W&B a 46-run win.

Division Five

John Horsfield grabbed 6-21 in 9.3 overs – aided by wicketkeeper Marc Crowther’s four stumpings and a catch - as Burn II saw off an inexperienced Tadcaster Magnet. Richard Laver top scored for Tad with 36 in their 103 while Phil Batt took four of the Burn wickets to fall, including Darren Miller for 47.

Half centuries by teenagers Scott Woofenden and Mark Smith earned Carlton Towers victory against Selby II. Under-15 player Wooffenden (54no) and Under-16 all-rounder Smith (52no) put on 97 as Towers romped home by eight wickets. Smith had earlier taken 3-11 after Selby openers Mike Thorpe (30) and Scott Smith (27) had given their team a god start.

Steve Dale (78) and Murray Coyle (51) put on 109 as Huntington ’s 222-8 was beyond Stockton & Hopgrove whose batsmen largely struggled against Dale (5-57) after Richard Horseman (53) and Dan Reardon (47) were out.

Nasir Shefta hit 51 and took 4-21 as Thorpe Willoughby II beat Ovington II by five wickets. Ovington’s 151 revolved around Cole’s 39 while Shefta’s late burst brought him four wickets in four overs. In reply, Shefta and his son, Nadeem (32) put Thorpe on the road to victory with a 50 partnership. Nasir Shefta’s younger brother, Khalid earlier took 3-28 including a double wicket maiden.

Askham Bryan II’s Pete Thornton (5-19) destroyed York RI in a one-sided game. RI, who included four ex-Askham players in their line-up, put the home side in to bat. Chris Parker made 69 and Simon Partridge bagged 4-67. In reply, an early burst by Mike Hodgkinson (3-23) reduced RI to 16-3 after 10 overs and Thornton polished off the rest together with a couple of run outs by Prateek Sharma.

Week 5 - May 23 and 24

HPH Cup

First round

HEMINGBROUGH began their bid for a third successive HPH Cup with a tight 12-run first round victory against Burn.

The holders were bowled out for 157 with Josh Jackson making 42 while Burn’s 17-year-old paceman returned 4-38. Despite Andrew Watson’s 51, Burn let a promising position slip away as Glen Crouch grabbed four late wickets.

Steve Smith smashed five sixes in his unbeaten 87 as Drax totalled 176-3 but solid all-round batting by Clifton Alliance saw the York-based side home with nine balls to spare. Paul Atkinson made 60 while Paul Watson and Rob Thorpe each hit 41 – Thorpe’s coming off just 23 balls.

After Matty Howden’s 50, Copmanthorpe slid to 102-8 against Westow but recovered to total a match-winning 169 thanks to an unbroken partnership of 67 between Darren Hughes (41no) and Martin Hillyard (12no). Mark Earle took 4-18 for Westow whose innings lost its way after being 110-4.

Some superb catching saw North Duffield easily defend 119 against ten-man Askham Bryan who were bowled out for 58. Dave Bielby top scored for North Duffield with 28 while Steve Hardy took 3-17. Mark Grewer was the pick of the bowling for Askham with 4-28.

Charlie Cameron’s opening four-wicket burst enabled Barmby Moor to bowl out Bishopthorpe for 106, the champions knocking the runs off in 25 overs thanks to skipper Andrew Winn’s destructive 57 not out from 19 scoring shots.

Steve Tremayne fell one shot of his century as Ovington managed 187-8 against University Staff whose powerful batting line-up powered to their victory target. Openers Salman Syed (78no) and Mumtaz Hussein (68) put on 109 in 13 overs. Hussein’s rapid knock came from 29 balls and included seven sixes.

Wheldrake’s poor start to the season continued as they lost by 24 runs at second division Kelfield. Gary Walker (43) and Alex Rhodes (48) were the main contributors to Kelfield’s 184-5. Wheldrake never fully recovered from being 50-5 despite a flurry from Ashley Quinn (45) and Matt Mellor (40). Gary Walker and Phil Smith each took three wickets for Kelfield.

Scothern Construction Cup

First round

GRANVILLE North (4-26) helped knocked over Hemingbrough II for 89 as Thorpe Willoughby cantered to an eight-wicket win in the Scothern Construction Cup, North finishing on 38 not out. Jonathan Lister top scored for Hemingbrough with 38.

Heworth made 127-6 on a damp track against Drax II thanks to Liam Hancey’s unbeat