THE York & District Joe Lumb cricket side got off the mark in 2014 with a victory over Pontefract at Clifton Alliance.

After an opening defeat to Bradford, the York youngsters triumphed by one wicket ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Goldsborough to face Nidderdale.

Pontefract batted first and made good progress, scoring 33 off the first nine overs, but spinners Jack Spofforth (3-46) and Tom Spearman (2-34) strangled Pontefract’s batting.

Spearman’s first six overs were maidens, while he also took a wicket, and partner in crime Spofforth took 2-7 in his first five overs, with two catches for Andy Brewster.

After 29 overs. Pontefract were 70-5 but Ryan Gaughan (3-16) and Jake Porter (2-21) blew away the tail as the visitors were 142 all out.

York reached 31 off nine overs, but Toby Pratt became the first casualty when he stood on his stumps. Two further wickets reduced them to 53-3 before a stand of 25 between Tom Neal and Kieron Bloor kept the run rate on track. Bloor was out for 46 with the score on 80 and in the next ten overs York lost two more wickets for only 24 runs.

That left 42 runs for victory from 16 overs, but three quick wickets left them on 132-9. Number 11 Porter helped skipper Andrew Brewster (36no) take York over the line.