GILES Smith returned to the Stockton & Hopgrove ranks with devastating effect, smashing 115 against Thixendale in the first division of the HPH York Vale Cricket League.

Playing for the first time since mid-May, Smith stroked 19 boundaries and two sixes. With Jamie Kerrison rattling an unbeaten 59, Stockton amassed 272-6 with Dale managing 146-8 in reply.

Ovington’s Tom Ashby was another centurion, scoring 112 and sharing an opening stand of 112 with Joe Whale (39) against Fulfordgate. Ashby reached his century in 87 deliveries as his side totalled 244-5. Ben Busby then took 5-37 as Gate were bowled out for 72. The result sent Ovington top as previous leaders North Duffield were unable to complete their match against North Cave because of rain.

Bishopthorpe moved up the table thanks to a fine bowling display against Burn. Dan Montgomery (35) and Adrian Huetson (30) enjoyed a solid third-wicket partnership but great work by Ian Holmes (5-22) and Rory Watson (3-19) saw Burn bowled out for 107. Scott Clapham (41) top scored as Bishopthorpe won with 13 overs to spare.

Ben Johnson’s domination of division two continued with a crushing victory against Selby. After being 10-2, Paul Anderson (53) and Martin Reynolds (42) put on 85 as the printers made 156-4. Selby were then blown away by Gary Walker’s figures of 7-1-8-6.

Fourteen-year-old Joe Kilvington opened the bowling for Clifton Alliance against Heworth and returned a superb 7-58. Matt Huffer scored 77 for Heworth who were in with a chance when Clifton were 115-3 before opener Allan Barton (79no) was joined by Matt Taylor (39no).

Les Fearn continued his brilliant form as Wheldrake leapfrogged Acomb at the top of division three in amazing fashion by nine wickets. Fearn had an analysis of 8.4-2-17-7, while his son, Dave, claimed 3-19 as Acomb were routed for 38 in 16.3 overs.

Fifteen-year-old Jack Foster struck 81 as Yapham hammered Dunnington by 130 runs at Bishop Wilton. Hussein Ahmed bowled Ovington II to victory against Ovington II with 5-17.

Askham Bryan II all-rounder Venkat Sampath was unlucky to finish on the losing side after scoring 53 and taking 5-22 against Malton & Old Malton.

Ray Adamson (117) shared two century stands with Mark Webster (61) and Henry Wright (47) as Burn II rattled up 253-2 against Ovington III. Karim Baqai led Ovington’s battling response with 75 but Burn secured an easy win.

Stamford Bridge maintained top spot with a two-wicket win against Selby II. Liam Easton and Des Healey both took three wickets as Selby were bowled out for only 83. Bridge got over the line despite a hat-trick from Wajid Hussain, who took 6-15.

Half centuries by Jamie Ross (56) and Jordan Edge (54) saw them to 225-9 against Malton & Old Malton II who were bowled out for 106.

Ovington II powered into the semi-finals of the Prendergast Memorial Cup with Jack Stearman hitting 93 not out from only 82 balls in a total of 273-5 against Stockton & Hopgrove II. Team-mate Joe Whale followed his impressive 80 with 5-28.

Press Performance of the Week

Fourteen-year-old Joe Kilvington (Clifton Alliance) took 7-58 against Heworth in division two