BATTLING Wheldrake forced a tie with Ovington to deal a major blow to the Knavesmire-based side's HPH York Vale Cricket League title hopes.

It meant Bishopthorpe, victors against Melbourne, were able to stretch their lead to 31 points and if they beat Ben Johnson this Saturday they will secure the first division crown.

Ovington were 5-2 inside three overs before Craig Nichol, with 81, Stefan Littlewood, who hit a rapid 37, and an unbeaten 43 by Barry Steel saw them total 204-9. Sam Ensor was Wheldrake's stand-out bowler with 3-49 in 12 overs while Dave Fearn (4-50) bowled a tight late spell.

Anthony Carter (92) gave Wheldrake a great chance of pulling off a surprise win as they reached the final over needing four to win with four wickets remaining.

A dot ball followed by a wicket brought Ovington right back in the game but Wheldrake managed to scramble the required runs for a tie.

That result opened the door for Bishopthorpe who came out on top in a batting frenzy at Ferry Lane where 548 runs were scored, the game featuring eight sixes and 73 fours.

Ben Smith (71), Ian Holmes (76no) and Mark Ford, with an unbeaten 40 from just 19 balls, motored along as 81 runs came from the last six overs to see the Bishops top 300.

After Jos Room made a quick 51, Oliver Steels (84no) and Matt Beevers (54) batted well in a 148-run partnership as Melbourne finished on 248-2.

Burn's bowlers continued their good recent form in the win against Kelfield, who were destroyed by Matthew Leetham’s all-bowled 7-31.

Westow hammered Ben Johnson by ten wickets with openers Mark Earle (83no) and Andrew Welford (60no) speeding their side to victory, Earle securing the win with a straight six.

Askham Bryan maintained their 29-point gap at the top of division two after beating Malton & Old Malton, a victory which featured good knocks by Mark Grewer (85) and Parag Mohite (69).

Fulfordgate's top order was routed by a devastating spell from Clifton Alliance's Richard Marshall (6-20). After being 32-7 they were bowled out for 97. John Myers included 13 boundaries in his 65 not out as Alliance maintained their promotion push.

Matty Roberts (77) and Andy Cole (51) enjoyed a 108-run partnership for Ovington II against South Cave & Brantingham but Cave won with four balls to spare.

Phil Johnson clattered a 64-ball 120 but could not prevent ten-man Stillingfleet losing to Hirst Courtney, whose Ben Copeland made an undefeated 79.

Thorpe Willoughby, unbeaten since May, wrapped up the division three title with a five-wicket win at Selby who found veteran bowler Dave Watson virtually impossible to get away before Danny Crockford (5-47) saw Selby restricted to 124-9.

Thorpe needed 24.3 overs to knock the runs off with Andy Kirk (54) leading the way.

Yapham lost by ten wickets at Burn II after losing five wickets for 19 runs despite Mark Fairey (92no) guiding them to 178-8. Burn openers Jamie Bingle (79no) and Diccon Edwards (74no) completed the rout.

Under-13s player Henry Kay produced a stunning bowling display on his senior debut to rout Dunnington in division four. The Yapham II youngster recorded figures of 8-5-8-7 as the Common Road side were bowled out for 79, which included six ducks.

Leg-spinner Ted Baty (60no and 4-23) was Pocklington’s match-winner against Ovington III for whom Will Osbourne struck a powerful 87.

Press Performance of the Week: Under-13s bowler Henry Kay had a dream debut for Yapham II in division four with figures of 8-5-8-7 against Dunnington.