OVINGTON’S hopes of retaining their HPH York Vale Cricket League division one crown were washed away by rain on Saturday.

Victory at Kelfield would have seen them overtake leaders North Cave who had already completed their fixtures. With Kelfield on 36-1 the weather brought an end to proceedings to hand Cave their second title in three years.

Cave finished two points ahead of Ovington with Bishopthorpe, also denied by rain, a point further adrift.

After being put in, the Bishops lost Ross Kelly cheaply, bowled by Matt Bradshaw, but regained control as Scott Clapham scored a superb 124 not out – his second successive unbeaten century. Bishopthorpe totalled 203-7 with Colin Gonsalves taking 4-53.

News of Ovington’s abandonment filtered through, leaving Bishopthorpe with a chance of the title but the rain became too heavy for play to continue after tea.

Melbourne sealed the division two title thanks to a stunning bowling display by Brian Underwood on a damp Selby track. He had figures of 6.2-1-11-6 as the home side were bowled out for just 53.

Melbourne were 20-2 in reply before there was a lengthy rain break, play eventually resuming at 6.30pm. Melbourne knocked off the remaining runs with captain Harry Collins sealing victory and the divisional crown with a six.

Ben Johnson were also promoted after winning by eight wickets at South Cave & Brantingham.

Because of the weather, both sides opted for a 20 overs a side match, Cave making 118-7 with Gary Walker taking 3-23. Openers Martin Reynolds and Jamie Agnew (43) made victory a formality with a stand of 111. Reynolds was still there at the finish with 67, which included seven sixes, one massive hit sailing over the Cave car park.

The Melbourne and Ben Johnson matches were the only ones played to completion on another wet Saturday but there were some notable performances in other games where the weather had the final say.

Hirst Courtney player Marcus Thandi’s victims were all bowled as he delivered the ball full and straight to take 6-26 against Askham Bryan in division two.

Three generations of the Toone family – granddad Geoff, father Dave and grandson Dan turned out for Acomb against Wheldrake, who added the division three title to the Prendergast Memorial Trophy they won the previous week. Wicketkeeper Anthony Carter claimed five victims, three of them stumped, as Acomb were bowled out for 66.

In division four, Adrian Davies scored his maiden century, rattling up 113 not out against Pocklington as Burton Salmon totalled 167-5.

In contrast to soggy Saturday, sun-kissed Sunday produced two games that went the distance.

Opener Adam Sutcliffe hit 116 before retiring as Dunnington made 233-3 against Acomb, who were bowled out for 208, three run outs not helping their cause.

Stamford Bridge recovered from 62-6 to post a match-winning 131-8 against bottom club Selby II in division four. Selby looked in control at 115-6 but slid away after the departure of Alex Bowden (71).

Divisions three and four will complete their fixtures this Saturday.

Press Performance of the Week

With weather likely to be a factor, Brian Underwood’s 6-11 ensured Melbourne a quick title-winning victory against Selby