YAPHAM are the champions of the Foss Evening Cricket League after completing a nine wicket success over Woodhouse Grange and clinched the title by .01 of a run on a better strike rate.

Sadly the season ended in controversy as their challengers Aldby Park were prevented from improving their strike rate as bottom club Wheldrake were unable to raise a side and conceded the game.

Yapham were determined to end the season in style and restricted the champions for the last four years, Woodhouse Grange, to 109 for three with Howard Johnson (36) and Jon Bean (35), the run-makers.

Paul Clark (26), saw the Yapham reply off to a good start which left Paul Barnes (41) and Dick Wright (27) to negotiate their side to victory and the title.

At the bottom of the table, Heworth entertained Wilberfoss to decide who joins Wheldrake in the second division.

The visitors were made to battle for their runs as T Walton (3 for 19) and Martin Sigsworth (2 for 19) made inroads with only Ian Clish (27) and Geoff Room (22), making progress as Wilberfoss closed on 97 for 7.

The consistent Jason Gatus, unbeaten on 48, well supported by James Preston (38), saw Heworth to victory by nine wickets and another season in the top flight.

In the remaining game Kevin Hinch (36) and Ted Donkin (20 no) were instrumental in Pocklington reaching 105 for 4 with Neil Pratt (2 for 25) and Paul Hemingway (2 for 49) sharing the wickets. Geoff Wilson (46) led the Bubwith reply and, with Jeremy Hanley making 25, the home side just reached their target with two wickets to spare.

The season concludes tonight at Yapham when the champions entertain Barmby Moor, the second division champions, followed by the presentation of trophies.

Updated: 12:27 Wednesday, August 08, 2001