WHELDRAKE secured the first leg of what they hope will be a HPH York Vale Cricket League double.

The division three leaders beat Ovington II by six wickets to lift the Prendergast Memorial Cup.

A well-judged 50 not out by Anthony Carter proved the key to victory on a North Cave pitch affected by heavy rain.

Bowlers held the upper hand for most of the day and, after being put in, Ovington found themselves 19-2 as father-and-son combination Les and Dave Fearn took a wicket each.

Steffan Littlewood (33) and Jack Stearman (28) gave the Knavesmire side’s innings some impetus but wickets fell regularly as Wheldrake’s five bowlers took two wickets each.

Ovington were eventually bowled out for 111 but tight opening spells by Dom Kitching, Ben Svenson and Ben Busby saw Wheldrake crawl to 44-1 from 24 overs.

However, Carter held the innings together and calmed Wheldrake nerves when he cracked 17 off the 30th over to put his side in control.

Carter brought up his half- century with the match-winning boundary off Stearman with 4.5 overs remaining.

The trophy was presented by Vale League chairman Shane Hargrave.

Wheldrake will add the second division title to their cup success if they beat Acomb tomorrow.