DUNNINGTON'S chances of winning the first division of the Costcutter Indoor Cricket League ended when they failed to field a side against Clifton Alliance and conceded not only two points but also a six wicket penalty.

With Acomb already poised to retain their title, Rowntree 'A' took a big step towards claiming the runners-up spot after beating main rivals Clifton Alliance by 55 runs.

But Rowntree then lost to Wilberfoss who improved their survival chances and left Rowntree needing to win one of their two final games to finish second.

Bottom-placed Selby won an astonishing game against fellow relegation candidates Sheriff Hutton Bridge in a match which set a new aggregate run total, the two sides making a combined 343 runs off 24 overs.

Selby's 186-5 was the highest total of the season while Sheriff Hutton Bridge's 157-5 was the highest losing total in the history of the competition.

Bridge's Steve Crowder surpassed his unbeaten 71, made two weeks earlier, with an unbeaten 78 (the third highest individual innings ever recorded in the competition) but his efforts brought no reward after Ian Lake had hit 54 and Chris Young 52 in Selby's massive total.

Selby quickly came down to earth when John Myers took 3 for 28 to dismiss them for 103 as a prelude to a six wicket Wilberfoss win.

Richard Tuite made 34no, Nick Sedgwick 37 and Andy Hall 30no as Rowntree 'A' hit 148-3 in the important game with Clifton Alliance.

John Bladen made 32no in reply but the Alliance could only total 93-3. Rowntree 'A' then lost the opportunity to clinch the runners up spot when they were beaten by four wickets by Wilberfoss despite Tuite's unbeaten 51.

While their senior side still require to gain points, Rowntree 'B' clinched second place in division two when they ended the divisional season with three straight wins.

Rowntree virtually wrapped up the promotion spot in the opening game when they beat their only challengers by six wickets with good all round performances from Pete Meek who took 2-22 and made 30no and Kev Palmer who took 2-26 and made 25no.

Magnets' John Rossington, a former Rowntree player, had made 32 in his side's 108-4 then followed with 55no as Magnets made 100-4 against Thirsk. Thirsk opener John Harper 31 and John Trueman 41no got their side off to a flier, reaching 59 in five overs.

But Rossington then took 2-14 off his three overs as Thirsk's young batsmen showed their inexperience and they could only total 93-5.

Rowntree then had a comfortable win over Stillington to confirm their second place before rounding off the day with a good team performance which saw them beat Thirsk by three wickets as their late order showed batting depth.

In between these games, Thirsk had a good win over Hovingham when they overhauled their opponents 123-3 with four balls and two wickets to spare. John Trueman's unbeaten 46 and John Harper's 41no cancelled out an unbeaten 42 from Tom Marwood.

* Drax Cricket Club start their pre-season net practice at Selby College on Thursday, February 12, at 8.30pm. The Drax first XI play were promoted to York Vale League Division One last season and the second XI are in division three. Anyone interested in joining the club should contact Nigel on 0976 267025 or Jerry on 01757 618830, or attend net practice.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.