WOODHOUSE Grange are celebrating their 12th Foss Evening Cricket League division one title in 17 years after the season ended in an anticlimax, writes Kevin Smith.

Skipper Andrew Bilton and his young side were handed the championship after York conceded their final fixture due to a lack of numbers.

That left Londesborough Park, the season’s surprise package, scrapping for runners-up spot with Stamford Bridge in their final game at Low Catton Road. Park comfortably claimed second place by completing the double over the Battle Axes.

Ben Lewis (56) and James Hanley (50) helped Park to 144-6 and Stamford were well short of their target despite the efforts of their two Chris Smiths, one making 43 and the other 40 not out.

Heworth conceded a third straight game, which ensured Stockton & Hopgrove went back to division two.

Osbaldwick sealed the division two title for the second time in three years by beating Bubwith.

A run of 22 points out of the last 24 saw them edge ahead of long-term leaders Melbourne.

Osbaldwick made 135-4 thanks to an unbeaten 39 from Mike Horner and then 2-20 from young spinner Ben Richardson condemned the home side to defeat and relegation to division three.

Melbourne won promotion in the runners-up spot, on count back from Pocklington with a one-wicket final-ball victory that looked out of the question with five overs to go against Bishopthorpe.

Tom Eckart (32no) and Bish skipper Ross Kelly (24) took the visitors to 121-5 despite 3-35 from Brian Underwood.

Liam Barlow (28) was top-scorer for Melbourne as Ian Holmes took 3-15.

Melbourne recovered from 83-6 to head into the final over needing two to win, and Melbourne captain Harry Collins hit a boundary off the last ball.

Pocklington beat Yapham by three runs, defending a total of 96. Ovington lost their battle against the drop, a victory for The Retreat keeping them up by the skin of their teeth. Steve Littlewood (28) and Tom Cookson (24) led the Knavesmire side to 101-6, but an unbeaten knock of 34 for Salman Syed, taking him past 500 runs for the season, saw Retreat secure win by six wickets.

Thixendale won promotion straight back to division two after becoming only the second side to beat division three champions Dunnington Academy.

Thix posted 97-7 en route to an 11-run win.

Aviva Vikings were bundled out for 76 as York RI’s Ali Khan took 6-5 in five overs and followed up with an unbeaten 31 to see his side home by five wickets.

• Any clubs interested in joining the Foss Evening League for 2014 should email secretary, Mike Wellock at garnshaw@msn.com by the end of next month.