HAVING scored a total of 157 runs in his previous six innings, Hovingham’s Richard Hudson virtually doubled his tally by cracking 147 at Driffield.

The knock established him as the front-runner for the final monthly batting award of the season.

His innings left the opposing skipper somewhat red-faced as it enabled Hovingham to sail past Driffield’s declared total of 240-9.

This high target featured a century from Kev Woodcock (104) and useful input from Neil Woodcock (46) and James Richardson (33).

Successful with the ball for the visitors were Tom Lund (3-35) and Richard Bowling (3-58).

Whereas Driffield’s batsmen had enjoyed success, their bowlers failed to make any real impact as Hudson and David Bowling (69) made a mockery of the declaration by easing to 242-2.

Duncombe Park have a 73-point lead at the top of the division and, with just four games remaining, seem certain to gain the promotion which narrowly eluded them last season.

In a truncated match, Sessay were only able to make 130-5 as Park’s Alistair Holmes took 3-38.

The better batting came from Darren Atkinson, with 30, and John Flintoff, who made 39.

When Park replied, Brian Leckenby was dismissed for 28, leaving him only four runs short of 1,000 for the season.

Charlie Campbell was another casualty, falling for 36, but Holmes was able to move to 51 not out as Park reached a winning 134-2.