IN-FORM Giles Smith hit his third successive century as unbeaten Stockton & Hopgrove recorded a rare win at Bishopthorpe to claim joint top spot in the HPH York Vale Cricket League first division.

The 19-year-old, in his second appearance of the season, hit 131 not out, having scored an unbeaten 131 against Burn the previous week.

That followed his 116 against Wheldrake in the final game of last season.

Smith shared a stand of 120 with Rich Kerrison (71) as Stockton piled up 257-6 against Bish, who were bowled out for 122 – Dan Fairclough (7-27) taking out the top seven batsmen.

Stockton share top spot with champions North Cave, whose James Windeatt scored 83 not out in a nine-wicket thumping of Hemingbrough, and Ovington, who fought back to beat Fulfordgate.

Ovington recovered from 46-5 to make 201 thanks to Steve Tremayne (69) and Craig Nicholl (57).

Liam Hancey (70) and Alan Baldock (69) put Gate in control with a second-wicket partnership of 128, but once they were parted Ovington rolled over the rest in quick order.

Despite 62 from Jamie Bingle, Burn fell just short of Kelfield’s 200-7 which featured 52 from Neil Atkinson.

Adrian Stipetic was another player starring in defeat, his half-century and 4-66 not enough to prevent defeat at Hirst Courtney.

Thirteen-year-old Ryan Whitley was the division three match-winner for Heworth in only his third senior game.

He removed both Selby’s top scorers – Tom Sherwood (59) and Ed Oliver (54) – as well as producing a superb 40-yard throw to instigate a run-out.

Chasing 225 to win, Heworth lost their way after Graham Hogben (85) was dismissed.

Heworth needed 30 off the final three overs but managed it thanks to young Whitley’s unbeaten 24 not out from 12 deliveries.

The run-fest at Elm Park Way was in contrast to the bowler-friendly rain-affected wicket at Wheldrake where Westow won with ease after being bowled out for 103.

Teenage left-arm seamer Jamie Smith ripped out the early batsmen and Mark Earle (3-16) mopped up the tail.

Craig Patrick took 4-24 from 11 overs to see North Duffield to victory against Thorpe Willoughby.

Unbeaten division three leaders Copmanthorpe bowled out South Cave & Brantingham for 51 with Neil Brooks taking 5-3 from 17 deliveries after Neil Dea (4-11) did the early damage.

Andrew Jacques (49no) and Nathan Preston (4-28) shone as Acomb won by four wickets at Stillingfleet.

Accurate spin bowling by Heworth II’s Perwez Akhter (6-40) restricted Burton Salmon to 134-8 in division four, but their batsmen fell short of the target as Salmon’s Michael Parkin responded with 5-29.

Mike Dale (87no) guided Bishopthorpe II to victory at Stockton & Hopgrove II, where team-mate Jamie Mackie grabbed 5-44.

Cameron Blair made the most of being dropped three times in single figures to score 71 in Yapham’s total of 144 against Stamford Bridge, whose in-depth batting won the day by four wickets.

Woodhouse Grange’s division five youngsters were bowled out for only 62 at Malton & Old Malton II, whose seamer Nick Lock took 5-6 in 5.4 overs.

THE PRESS performance of the week

Giles Smith (Stockton & Hopgrove) – unlucky not to win last week’s award with a century, but gets it this time with an unbeaten 131 at Bishopthorpe in division one.