FULFORDGATE pulled off a major surprise in the HPH York Vale Cricket League by beating champions North Cave.

The East Yorkshire side went into the game unbeaten this season but were bowled out for 103. In-form paceman Max Henderson led the way with 4-33, including the prize scalps of league representative players Mike Stellings and James Windeatt.

’Gate’s reply was floundering on 12-3 but Mick Nelson’s battling 57 not out took improving Fulford to their third successive win.

With Ovington losing to Bishopthorpe, it leaves Stockton & Hopgrove as the only unbeaten side in division one. Stockton are outright leaders after a five-wicket win at Askham Bryan, who were bowled out for 108, Stu Ross taking 4-18.

Ovington’s early batting was undermined by a great opening burst by Ian Holmes (3-15) and had to settle for an all out total of 123.

The Bishops won by three wickets, but their scorecard had a bizarre look with six men recording ducks. Ross Kelly struck 76 from 82 deliveries and shared a 109-run fourth-wicket stand with Mike Dale, who was unbeaten on 41.

There were plenty of runs at Hirst Courtney, whose 233-7 edged out neighbours Burn by ten runs. Tom Osbourne top-scored for Hirst with 54, while Ed Clark hit 69 for Burn.

Former Hull and Bubwith player Paul Van Dijk made a triumphant return to the game in the five-wicket success for Hemingbrough over Kelfield.

In his first game for three-and-a-half years, he returned a superb 10.5-2-16-5 haul as Kelfield fell for 143. James Dougherty led the successful run chase with 73.

There were three centuries in division two, Josh Harrison (Clifton Alliance) and Paul Johnson (North Duffield) both scoring 136 not out against Wheldrake and Heworth respectively, while Steve Wragg stroked 104 in Ben Johnson’s victory against Thorpe Willoughby.

Harrison clattered 21 boundaries and one six in his side’s 64-run win and Johnson’s effort came from 114 balls and included 15 fours and four maximums.

In contrast, bowlers dominated at Westow, who were bowled out for 48 by Thixendale new ball pair Dean Tyler (5-20) and James Wigby (4-4). The other wicket to fall was a run-out.

Bowlers also had the upper hand at Selby, who were rolled over for 124 by York RI.

Divoyd Smith returned 5-36 but the Sandhill Lane side clung on to win by five runs in a tense finish thanks to Khalid Afzal (4-28) and Jamie Middleton (4-37).

Matt Oakes returned to form for Copmanthorpe in division three with an unbeaten 62 in a seven-wicket win against Pocklington, who struggled against the accurate Neil Brook (5-30).

Andrew Jacques hit a match-winning 76 for Acomb against Malton & Old Malton, whose Steve Varey took 6-38.

Veteran bowler Granville North took his seasonal haul to 19 with 5-11 in Hemingbrough II’s crushing division four win at Yapham. Will Brennand made 54 as Bishopthorpe II proved too strong for Stamford Bridge despite a strong all-round performance by Rob Gilyeat who took 5-30 and top-scored with 32 for the losers.


Press performance of the week

It was too close to call. Paul Johnson (North Duffield) and Josh Harrison (Clifton Alliance) share the spoils after both thumping 136 not out against Heworth and Wheldrake respectively in division two.