BISHOPTHORPE claimed the upper hand in the HPH York Vale Cricket League division one title race when they won at third-placed Burn on Saturday.

It looked like the visitors' score of 153 would be well below par after being restricted by a fine bowling performance. Alex Webster bowled his 12 overs successive overs for 2-29 and was followed by Matt Leetham, who took 5-22. Scott Reeves (43) made the only significant contribution for Bishopthorpe.

Burn looked in control at 95-4 with more than 22 overs left. But in a last throw of the dice Bishopthorpe went back to their opening bowlers and Andy Kenny picked up three wickets in his first over back on his way to a match-winning haul of 6-55.

Ian Holmes (2-18) gave good support with only six scoring shots coming from his 12 overs.

Although the Bishops are firm favourites to win the title, champions Ovington are not giving up their crown without a fight.

They easily saw off Ben Johnson after an opening partnership of 114 between Pete Kelly (95) and Neil Metcalfe (49) set up their 242-7. Ian Kirkup stepped up from the second team to take 4-24 as BJ were bowled out for 125.

Ovington are therefore still eyeing another double after retaining the HPH Cup 24 hours later.

Jacob Stephenson’s 6.3-1-11-6 saw Westow dismiss Melbourne for 73. Westow had posted 180 after recovering from 68-4.

Stockton & Hopgrove's lack of frontline bowlers showed as Wheldrake got 198-3, 20 coming from the final over. Andy Bolton top scored with 63 not out after Martin Lambert hit 41.

Slow bowler Mark Cass (11-38-4) ensured Wheldrake took wickets at regular intervals on their way to a 38-run win.

Askham Bryan and Clifton Alliance are pulling away from the chasing pack at the top of division two.

Clifton comprehensively beat Ovington II, who recovered from 2-2 to reach 157-6 thanks to 55 by Muhammed Waqar. Clifton struggled to 15-3 before Chris Elliot (56) and 16-year-old Will Moll (41no) led Clifton home with five overs to spare.

Leaders Askham Bryan hammered eight-man Stillingfleet by 10 wickets. Fleet lost three early wickets cheaply but Rob Murray (55) and Pete Corfield (51) saw them to a decent 151. Stillingfleet's bowlers were taken to the cleaners in 17.1 overs by Parag Mohite (101no) and Dan Wheeler (49no).

Phil Alford scored his second successive century as Hirst Courtney defeated South Cave & Brantingham by 118 runs.

He struck 105, sharing a big second-wicket stand with Jake Wild (87).

Hemingbrough beat fellow strugglers Malton & Old Malton as an unbroken stand of 70 between Leo Howard (34no) and Oliver Turvey (37no) propelled them to 250-4, the last eight overs producing 83 runs. Grant Stephens (62) led Malt’s reply but put fell to John Cockerill (12-0-56-6).

A classy 128 from Joe Robinson saw Thixendale move into a division three promotion place at the expense of opponents Yapham.

Robinson, who was well supported by Simon Walgate (41) in a 98-run third-wicket partnership, saw them rack up 245.

An unbeaten fifth-wicket stand between teenagers Patrick Abbott (30no) and Oli Steward (25no) saw Burn II to victory at Bishopthorpe II with seven overs to spare.

Thorpe Willoughby II closed the gap on second-placed Pocklington to four points in division four after beating the Burnby Lane side.

David Squires, a regular Thorpe first-teamer, scored 124 not out, more than half his side's 232-6.

Press Performance of the Week: Joe Robinson (Thixendale) smashed 128 in the division four promotion battle with Yapham.