Ovington back on York Vale promotion trail after points deduction (From York Press)

Ovington back on York Vale promotion trail after points deduction

8:23am Saturday 4th September 2010 in

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OVINGTON II’S dreams of a York Vale Cricket League promotion and cup double have been put on hold.

They appeared to have had the perfect weekend by beating division four rivals York RI to clinch promotion behind champions Malton & Old Malton, then, the following day, defeated Burton Salmon in the Graham Headley Memorial Cup final at Cave.

However, it transpired that the star of their 71-run win against RI on Saturday, was ineligible to play. Mike Noble, who smashed a brilliant 177 not out, is still registered with York Senior League side Dunnington.

When Ovington realised the error they notified the Vale League, while RI also objected to Noble’s inclusion in the Knavesmire-based side’s line-up.

As a result, Ovington were deducted 25 points and RI awarded 20, leaving both sides on 326 points in joint second place going into today’s final games when Ovington entertain Copmanthorpe II and RI travel to Huntington.

The points deduction does not have any bearing on Ovington’s cup triumph against Burton Salmon.

The York-based side beat Burton Salmon by five wickets in the final at North Cave, Craig Theaker having a fine all-round game.

Salmon looked well set at 81-3 but Theaker came on to take 6-4 in four overs, including top scorer Paul Ward (33). With Alistair Souch taking 3-14, Salmon lost their last seven wickets for just eight runs to be bowled out for 89, Theaker also taking a couple of catches.

Ovington were chugging towards a straightforward win at 45-1 but Martin Senior (4-22) prompted a collapse, which included the wicket of Theaker for 27. However, Bobby Clapham kept his nerve with an unbeaten 34 striking a six off Adrian Davies to win the game with a dozen overs in hand.

Host club North Cave’s president Graham Mathers presented the trophy to Ovington skipper Ovington II.