IAN HOLMES grabbed the first hat-trick of his HPH York Vale Cricket League career as Bishopthorpe routed Kelfield in division one.

New recruit Craig Lawson had put Kelfield in the box seat as his 6-17 saw the Bishops crash from 93-2 to 127 all out – but Holmes’ blistering early spell left Kelfield in tatters.

He took four wickets in his first four overs, all maidens, as half the Kelfield team were back in the pavilion with only five runs on the board. Holmes eventually finished with 6-22.

Another bowler to hit top form was Stockton & Hopgrove’s Dan Fairclough who had figures of 9-3-11-6 against Fulfordgate whose Mick Nelson made a defiant 55 not out. Giles Smith then hit a rapid 52 as Stockton knocked off the required 107 runs in only 12 overs.

The first century of the season was struck by Steve Miller as North Duffield romped to a ten-wicket win at Burn whose 209-9 was based on a second-wicket partnership of 107 between Ed Clarke (69) and L Adamson (56). But they were put in the shade by Miller (112no) and Paul Johnson (83no), Miller’s 81-ball innings including 11 sixes.

Champions Ovington outclassed Thixendale who endured a torrid debut in the top flight.

Pete Kelly (80no) and Tom Ashby (78) enjoyed a second-wicket partnership of 152 as Ovington ran up 237-3. The villagers then struggled against the Knavesmire side’s attack, Steve Tremayne starring with 4-7 as Dale were bowled out for 47.

Many observers believe last season’s division three champions Melbourne can gain another promotion as they beat another fancied second division side, Hirst Courtney, by seven wickets. A J Clarke hit 65 in Melbourne’s 143-3 after team-mate Harry Collins took 4-42.

Ben Johnson made it two wins from two games as they defeated Askham Bryan. Mark Grewer hit an unbeaten 63 as Steve Wragg claimed 4-23. Although Paul Thornton only conceded 12 runs in his 12 overs, BJ won comfortably.

Gary Pearce’s excellent 82 could not prevent Selby from losing at Heworth but 72 by opener Graham Hyde earned Stillingfleet victory against Westow whose AndyPhillips took 5-58.

Former Scotland and York City Knights RL forward Jack Stearman smashed an unbeaten half-century at Hemingbrough, but the home side’s stronger batting line-up, led by Orry (corr) Gill (56) and John Lister (54) earned a 102-run win in division three.

Simon Brookshaw rode his luck with a string of edges to third man but his 88 proved the match-winning knock for Malton & Old Malton at Thorpe Willoughby.

Balakuma Varatharjan’s 96 propelled Askham Bryan II to victory against Stockton & Hopgrove II.

Ovington III were brought down to earth after last week’s big division four debut win when they were well beaten by Burton Salmon whose Ed Westhead shone with 6-40.

Pocklington fell agonisingly short against Thorp Arch & Boston Spa, Steve Relf’s unbeaten 52 taking them within one run of a tie.

Nasar Mahmood smashed 71 for Selby II but finished on the losing side against Burn II.

Press Performance of the Week

Steve Miller’s power-packed 112 not out for North Duffield against Burn in division one.