Woodhouse Grange made an impressive start to their membership of the Hunters Estate Agent York Senior Indoor Cricket League when they defeated Rowntree 'B' by three wickets and then followed with a 76 run victory over Stillington.

Rowntree bounced back with a five wicket victory over Thirsk to maintain their status as early season pace-setters.

Rowntree player Kev Palmer and Thirsk's Oliver Grant both reached the mandatory retirement mark of 25 in both their games, while Brian Burton's three for 24 off six overs was the best bowling of the day.

In their first game in the competition, Woodhouse Grange bowled economically to restrict Rowntree 'B' to only 50 off the first seven overs. Kev Palmer retired on 25, but was denied a return to the crease as his side reached 93 for three.

Rowntree then made immediate inroads into the Woodhouse batting when former Rowntree player Steve Thompson was run out off the first ball of the innings.

Woodhouse should have lost a further wicket in the first over when a straight forward catch went begging. This missed chance set the style of the innings as a number of catches were spurned.

Paul Grewer made 29 not out as Brian Burton grabbed two for 15 but Ashley Quinn with an unbeaten 23 steered Grange to a three wicket win with four balls to spare.

In their second game, Woodhouse's batsmen made hay while it poured outside as they lashed the unfortunate Stillington bowlers for 154 for two in their 12 overs.

Opener Thompson made amends for his first game failure by making 30 not out, while Paul Townsley (26no) and Ashley Quinn (28no) both reached the cut-off target.

Stillington opener Jason Dale saw four partners depart as his side slid to 48 for four. Dale was then joined by his father Neil and they took the total to 78 without further loss, Jason making 25 not out. Thompson completed a good game by adding two for 19 to his unbeaten 30.

Thirsk, batting first against Rowntree, had skipper Des Wyrill dismissed in an unfortunate manner. He was caught after the ball had skimmed a ceiling fitting en-route to the back wall.

Following his early departure, Chris Pearce and Oliver Grant each made 25 not out, but Thirsk could make only 80 for three.

Rowntree opener Kevin Palmer made his second 25 not out and his side cruised to a five wicket victory in the 11th over.

Bolton Percy were able to field only five men against Stillington and collapsed to 38 all out in seven and a half overs.

Jason Dale (13no) and Dave Allitt (21no) then raced to victory in the fifth over to conclude one of the shortest games on record.

Bolton recruited G Tomlinson for their second game and he took two for eight against Thirsk.

Nick Lister (2-16) also bowled effectively but Oliver Grant made 28 before being stumped by Colin Thacker and his efforts helped Thirsk reach 94 for six.

Grant then bowled three tight overs to claim one for eight. J Cook conceded only seven runs off his three overs and Bolton were reached only 52 for three to lose by 42 runs.