LOWLY Fulfordgate put up a great fight against HPH York Vale Cricket League leaders North Cave but were finally overpowered by a match-winning innings from AJ Clarke.

Fulfordgate recovered from 10-3 to 160 all out thanks to Liam Hancy (54) and then had Cave wobbling on 96-5 after a great spell by Dave Baldock (4-30).

An upset was on the cards but Clarke (51no) took the game by the scruff of the neck to see Cave to their target with four overs to spare.

Bishopthorpe brushed aside ten-man Stockton & Hopgrove with the minimum of fuss, bundling their hosts out for just 49, Scott Reeves taking 4-12 and youngster Alex Bindloss 3-18.

Melbourne recovered from 35-5 to 118 all out against Kelfield, who sped to victory in just 14 overs with their innings including seven sixes and 11 fours.

Burn restricted Ovington to 163-8 with Ben Morrison anchoring the innings with 62. Burn’s batsmen struggled with Dave Brummitt returning 4-38 as the villagers were bowled out for 127.

North Duffield’s 187 against Ben Johnson was built on a third-wicket stand of 85 between Tom Ellwood (48) and Trevor Britain (81). The printers fought back when Scott Carlton (5-30) took three wickets in a over but Duffield finished with a competitive score.

An aggressive 67 by Phil Holland gave Ben Johnson hope but Duffield spinners Craig Patrick (4-28) and Josh Carline (3-54) won the game.

Wheldrake maintained top spot in division two by beating Hirst Courtney by 41 runs. They were thankful for a third-wicket partnership of 81 between Anthony Carter (53) and Martin Stables (64no) in a total of 222-6. Jake Wild (62no) and Ben Copeland (53) forged a 77-run partnership to lead the unsuccessful run chase.

Liam Herringshaw (61) and Will Osborne (56) put on 107 for Ovington II’s second wicket in a total of 191-7 at Westow. Andrew Welford (89no) and Chris Inman (55no) overhauled the target with five overs to spare with an unbroken partnership of 137 after Westow had been reduced to 55-4.

Askham Bryan cruised home against a Heworth side who were bowled out for 95 of which 65 were scored by Will Rymer.

Matt Mellor (6-20) was Clifton Alliance’s match-winner against South Cave & Brantingham.

Malton & Old Malton leapfrogged Yapham into top spot in division three after winning at Burn II. Malt made 198 and Burn seemed well placed after a strong start by Ray Adamson (64), but Ollie Varey (4-33) cleared up the lower order to earn his side a six-run victory.

Luke Mitchell’s 5-15 and 4-30 from Sal Hussain were the key to Thorpe Willoughby’s win against Burton Salmon. Wicketkeeper Andy Kirk claimed five dismissals.

Mark Williamson hit six fours and two sixes in his unbeaten 82 as Acomb beat Selby.

Martin Veysey’s excellent performance was not enough to prevent Stamford Bridge losing to Thorp Arch & Boston Spa in division four. Veysey (7-26) took all the wickets, bowling all his victims, including Matthew Bentley (76). Veysey then top-scored for Bridge but TABS still won by nine runs.

Press Performance of the Week

Martin Veysey (Stamford Bridge) for his all-bowled 7-26 against Thorp Arch & Boston Spa in division four