THIXENDALE are on course for promotion to the HPH York Vale Cricket League’s top flight for the first time in their history.

The second division leaders, league members for 27 years, took a step closer with a ten-wicket demolition of Selby on Saturday.

Joe Robinson took 5-28 as the Sandhill Laners were rolled over for 78, Dale openers Les Milburn and Ollie Medforth knocking off the runs in 17.5 overs.

With four games remaining, they hold a two point lead over Clifton Alliance, but are 29 ahead of third-placed North Duffield who lost at Wheldrake where Dave Fearn (5-32) was the match-winner.

Clifton’s Mark Taylor (77no) was the only man to tame the Thorpe Willoughby pitch as his side totalled 117. Thorpe were then destroyed by Matt Mellor who had figures of 9.2-2-33-7 as they folded for 49 which included seven ducks.

In-form Matt Durkin (153no) scored his third ton of the season as Stockton & Hopgrove easily beat Hirst Courtney in division one.

Durkin, this season’s standout batsman in the top division, included 19 boundaries and four sixes in his masterful display.

Kelfield opener Neil Atkinson (119no) also scored an unbeaten century but it could not prevent leaders Ovington from winning by four wickets in the final over. Pete Kelly’s undefeated 72 was the key to victory as Steve Tremayne (48) and Chris Tune (40) also made valuable contribitions.

Bishopthorpe kept their title hopes alive by winning at Burn and know they can still snatch the crown if they beat Ovington on August 24. The Bishops easily overhauled Burn’s 169-8 as Ross Kelly (86no) and Scott Reeves (52no) shared an unbroken stand of 116.

Depleted Hemingbrough were bowled out for 97 at Fulfordgate, whose Alan Baldock took 4-31, although the home side were made to work for their three-wicket win.

Askham Bryan’s Dan Wheeler (62) scored his third consecutive half-century and shared a 113-run third wicket stand with Subramaniyam Sathishkuma (58) but still lost to North Cave, whose Mike Stellings took 5-52.

Top versus bottom went to form in division three as Melbourne saw off Pocklington by 46 runs. It was not all plain sailing for the leaders as Pete Eastwood (5-15) reduced Melbourne to 3-3 before skipper Harry Collins (54) got them up to 125.

Malcolm Harrison then took 5-16 as Pock were 79 all out.

Paceman Adam Stroughair (7-43 in 10.3 overs) was the destroyer as Acomb cleared out Goole for 75.

Dunnington pulled away from the chasing pack in division four with two weekend victories. After seeing off Heworth II on Saturday they beat nearest challengers Hemingbrough II by 33 runs despite another healthy return for Granville North (6-54).

George Wilson was Dunnington’s star with 54 and 3-11.

The previous day, North claimed the wickets of in-form Stockton & Hopgrove openers Rich Horsman and Dan Reardon, who were overshadowed by Jon Lister’s match- winning 134 not out for Hemingbrough.

Askham Bryan’s new recruit, Adrian Speakman, was unbeaten on 117 in the crushing of Burton Salmon.


Press performance of the week

On a weekend which produced several outstanding efforts, Matt Durkin’s dazzling 153 not out for Stockton & Hopgrove against Hirst Courtney in division one gets the nod.