YOUNGSTER Harry Sheppeard came within a whisker of a ten-wicket haul in the HPH York Vale Cricket League on Sunday.

The 13-year-old, in only his fifth senior game, recorded staggering figures of 9.2-0-33-9 for Heworth II against Dunnington in division four – but still finished on the losing side.

Six of his victims were bowled as Dunnington were reduced to 25-6 only to have his thunder stolen by former professional Kevin Bradley, who smashed an amazing unbeaten 198 to steer Dunnington to 253 to set up his side’s 94-run win. It was a second Vale ton of the summer for Bradley, who has played York District Senior League premier division cricket this season.

Ben Smith fell just short of his maiden Vale League century as Bishopthorpe beat Burn to keep on the tails of the early-season division one pacesetters on Saturday.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Smith was out for 90 as Bish compiled 186-5. That was more than enough as teenagers Rory Watson (4-14) and Andrew Seager (3-36) saw Burn all out for 115.

The Bishops’ title chances will be tested this weekend when they travel to champions North Cave, who, along with Stockton & Hopgrove and Ovington, remain unbeaten in the top flight.

Cave were led to victory at Askham Bryan by Rob Page who struck 17 boundaries 97 not out after half-centuries by Dave Sladen (56) and Mark Grewer (51) lifted Askham from 42-4 to a challenging 186-9 at tea.

Rich Grimes was in dazzling form for Stockton in his first game of the season, taking 6-13 in 10.1 overs. With Chris Fryer grabbing 4-32, Hirst were bowled out for a below par 101. Stockton raced to their target in style as Giles Smith hit four sixes – three consecutively – in an over.

Barry Steel (44no) and Pete Kelly (41no) shone as Ovington defeated Kelfield by eight wickets. Steel also took 4-31 as the villagers were bowled out for 100.

Hemingbrough lost by one wicket for the second week running as Fulfordgate lifted themselves off the bottom thanks to a brilliant display of accurate fast bowling by Max Henderson (7-23).

Hemingbrough were all out for 101 and it needed 55 from Liam Hancey to see Fulford scrape home.

Clifton Alliance’s main protagonists all scored quick runs as they amassed 227-7 against Thorpe Willoughby to preserve their leadership of division two. Despite batting with a runner for most of his innings, Mark Taylor struck 70 from 64 balls, Josh Bean’s 52 came from 57 deliveries and Matt Mellor faced only 22 balls for his unbeaten 37.

Pradeep Basthian starred in York RI’s win at Ben Johnson with 61 and a three-wicket haul.

North Duffield’s Steve Miller struck 13 boundaries in his 102 against a weakened Wheldrake and Adam Livingstone returned 6-58 in defeat as Heworth lost by 51 runs at Westow.

Division three leaders Copmanthorpe lost their first league game of the season when they were edged out by seven runs by Ovington II. Opener Joe Whale (71no) anchored Ovington’s 171-3 which just proved enough to take the win.

Press performance of the week

Thirteen-year-old Harry Sheppeard (Heworth II) for his remarkable 9-33 against Dunnington in division four