BISHOPTHORPE'S narrow defeat at the hands of Ovington has paved the way for North Cave to retain their HPH York Vale Cricket League title.

While Cave banked 30 points by beating Burn, nearest challengers Bishopthorpe lost in a repeat of the previous week's HPH Cup final.

The Ovington versus Bishopthorpe game was switched from Knavesmire to Pocklington because of the Ebor Festive race meeting and provided a photo finish. Bishopthorpe made 171-8 thanks to Ian Holmes, who hit 87 not out, including three sixes in the last over off Ben Busby.

After Neil Metcalfe (66) helped take Ovington to 155-2 with six overs to go, three run-outs left the game in balance.

Six runs were needed from the last over bowled by Jamie Blackburn. A bye was run off the first ball, the second saw Ben Morrison run out. New man Dom Kitching tied the scores with an inside edge for four down to fine leg and Ovington won with four leg byes off the penultimate delivery.

It means Cave are within touching distance of winning the division one crown for the third time in four seasons.

Ben Thompson (6-29) and Brian Underwood (4-14) bowled North Duffield out for 69 in 23.3 overs as Melbourne won by ten wickets.

Stockton & Hopgrove slumped to the bottom of the table when they were bowled out for 71 when chasing Ben Johnson's 169-8 which featured 82 from Phil Holland. Darren Lovatt (6-36) had done the early damage for the printers.

Rain thwarted an interesting finish at Fulfordgate with Kelfield needing 10 runs to win with three wickets and 12 overs remaining.

Wheldrake secured promotion from division two with victory against a depleted Askham Bryan, needing only 11 overs to reach their target. Westow need one more point to join Wheldrake in the top division after opponents Hirst Courtney would not raise a side.

Iain Kirkup (53) achieved his first half-century in 31 years of club cricket as Ovington II made 130-6 against South Cave, whose Sid Sharma (60) earned his side victory.

Hemingbrough collapsed from 31 without loss to 87 all out in 29 overs against Clifton Alliance, who secured a routine seven-wicket win.

Stillingfleet leapfrogged Heworth at the bottom with a last-gasp win. Will Barratt and Matt Huffer both made 52 as Heworth finished on 169-8. Phil Johnson responded with 66, including six sixes and three fours. Chris Warner hit the last required boundary as torrential rain arrived.

Malton & Old Malton also won in the last over against division three promotion rivals Yapham. Liam Hartas (77) shone for Malt as Will Cardy picked up 5-59. Mark Fairey (81) almost took Yapham to victory. Three were need from the last four balls of the match bowled by Wayne Cullen. Cardy fell for 38 and then two run-outs from the last two deliveries saw Malt secure 30 points.

Selby off-spinner Kevin Lund was in stunning form against Pocklington, taking a hat-trick in remarkable figures of 6-2-6-6.

Walkovers ensured Acomb and Thixendale clinched promotion from their respective divisions.

Press Performance of the Week: Selby’s Kevin Lund claimed a hat-trick in his great return of 6-2-6-6 against Pocklington in division three.