YORK came up two runs short of pulling off the Solly Sports Yorkshire ECB County Premier Cricket League's highest ever run chase against Hull.

The home side finished one run short of Hull's imposing total of 347 as almost 700 runs were scored in 110 overs at Clifton Park.

Andy Simpson scored 188 for the visitors and, despite Ryan McKendry replying with a career-best 122, the hosts missed out in a thrilling chase.

Opening batsman Simpson is the league’s all-time leading run scorer and his 29th career hundred under-pinned the visitors' effort.

It could have been a very different story. The visitors had made a solid start, scoring 57 from the first dozen overs but in the 13th over, the third of Simon Lambert’s spell, Simpson miss-hit a drive to mid-on when on 26.

Despite getting both hands to the chance, Ryan McKendry was unable to hold on and things got worse three balls later when George Horsley was bowled off a no ball.

Both batsmen took full advantage. Simpson struck three sixes in a 56 ball half-century, reached in the same over which saw the score pass 100. By the time the total had reached 135, Horsley had achieved the same milestone.

Adam Whatley returned for a second spell and provided the breakthrough the home side craved when he trapped Horsley lbw for 81, but by that stage the total had passed 200 and Simpson was on 103.

David Barrick lasted only two balls, caught at mid-off by Alex Collins in Whatley's next over for no score.

Tom Appleyard (32) shared a 90-run stand for the third wicket but was bowled by McKendry shortly before Simpson surpassed his previous best of 175.

He missed out on batting the entire innings, caught at short third man by Charlie Elliot off the first ball of the final over, but it was little consolation for York skipper Nick Kay, who had seen his side contribute 26 wides and five no balls to the total of 347.

The fact that the home side came within two runs of what would have been the highest successful run chase in league history was testament to their determination and self-belief.

The early loss of Whatley and Liam McKendry did not prevent Lambert reaching 50 for the sixth time this season, but he was unable to go on, bowled by Jahangir Alam for 54.

Alex Collins made 52 and it was his partnership with the younger McKendry which gave the batting side real belief as the pair added 103 in 18 overs, leaving 128 needed from the last 15.

McKendry completed his first century in more than four years, from 90 balls, and looked to be guiding the hosts to a sensational victory.

Kay (66 off 43) used all his experience as the target was reduced to 20 off 13 balls but both departed as James Anson held his nerve to finish with four wickets.

Charlie Elliot struck a six off the penultimate ball but could manage only a couple off the final delivery as York were ultimately left frustrated.