WESTOW captain Mark Earle produced the best bowling figures of his 20-year career to destroy HPH York Vale Cricket League division two leaders Thixendale.

Only rain, which decimated Saturday’s programme, spared Dale from a likely defeat after Earle returned stunning figures of 12-8-9-8.

He began with a wicket maiden and Thixendale didn’t take a run off his bowling until the seventh over of his spell by which time he had gathered a couple more wickets to his haul.

At 47-3, five more Thixendale wickets fell without the addition of a run as Earle added a triple-wicket maiden to his figures. The leaders were bowled out for 68 and Westow were 23-1 when the rain which had been threatening all day became too heavy and forced the game to be abandoned.

It was the second week running that off-key Thixendale had been saved by rain but they still hold a two-point advantage over Clifton Alliance with North Duffield a further 29 points adrift.

The final positions could be settled this weekend with Dale entertaining Wheldrake while Alliance host Duffield on Sunday.

Duffield batsman Paul Johnson scored an unbeaten 50 in the 17 overs played against Heworth.

In the only game completed in division one, Fulfordgate’s trip to North Cave ended in defeat after they were bowled out for 100, Mike Stellings ripping through the visitors’ middle order with 5-32. Liam Hancey top-scored with 48 not out. Cave were swept to victory by John Backhouse (40no) and Simon Cooke (34).

The key game between second-placed Bishopthorpe and leaders Ovington ended in anti-climax as the weather prevented the Knavesmire-based side from replying to the Bishops’ imposing 193-6 from their 30 overs.

Bish openers Colin Markham (38) and Ross Kelly (32) set off at a run-a-ball enabling Steve Eyre, back after eight weeks out with a hamstring injury, to crack 65 from 40 balls. Dave Brummitt took 5-49 for Ovington.

Malton & Old Malton defeated Acomb by eight wickets in division three, where Jamie Spencer was Malt’s star performer, taking 5-29 as Acomb were bowled out for just 81. Spencer then made 36 to steer Malt to an easy win.

Simon Shaw shone for Hemingbrough II as they defeated Yapham by four wickets in division four. He took 3-22 as Yapham were restricted to 72-8 in their allotted overs. Then he hit 36 before he was out lbw with the scores level, a no-ball sealing the win.

Dunnington would have won the division four crown had they triumphed at Askham Bryan but only turned up with eight men and lost a 25-over game by 46 runs. James Hall took 4-14 as Askham were bowled out for 90, but short-handed Dunnington could only respond with 44.

Hull City FC Academy goalkeeper Rory Watson, batting at six, hit a match-winning unbeaten 57 in Bishopthorpe II’s 51-run win at Stamford Bridge, whose reply of 153-7 featured 56 by Ian Fraser.

Thorp Arch & Boston Spa became division five champions as they banked ten points from their washout at Hirst Courtney II.

PRESS performance of the week

Mark Earle’s 8-9 for Westow against division two leaders Thixendale was the clear stand-out performance.

 

Prendergast final for Bridge

THE Prendergast Memorial Trophy final between Acomb and Stillingfleet at Dunnington was unable to go ahead because the pitch was unfit. The showdown will now be played at Stamford Bridge Cricket Club’s Low Catton Road ground this Sunday.