STRONGLY fancied York started their bid for a speedy return to the premier division of the York and District Senior Cricket League with a convincing eight-wicket victory over Hemingbrough who have been divisional winners in each of their previous two seasons.

'Brough's Simon Cox made a half century while Pakistani Asim Butt added 30 but two of York's new recruits held sway with ex-Heworth spinner Mark Bell taking 3-41 and former Scarborough bowler Robert Harrison 3-32 as the visitors were all out for 136

Brisbane-based Jason English then gave a foretaste of things to come with an unbeaten 58 as he and Paul Daniels 41no saw their side to an easy win. Andy Kay had earlier made 29 while Butt claimed the two wickets to fall.

Having had a superb 2004 campaign at Clifton Alliance, West Indian Lorezo Ingram has switched to Stamford Bridge where he made 65 on his debut against Tadcaster Magnet. Paul Milner added 42 but new Magnet skipper Paul Clark took 5-40 to topple Bridge for 192.

Clark then smashed 88 and Ross Parker made 40 but Ingram took 3-56 and also had a hand in two run outs. Peter Aconley took 3-48 as Tadcaster reached 180-9 in a tense finish

Folkton and Flixton fully justified their rating as favourites for division three honours when they won their first ever game in the York League in convincing manner against highly-rated Harrogate.

As first visitors to the Filey Road ground which sports a fine new pavilion, Harrogate were unable to post a challenging score as they were bowled out for 135. Rob Stamworth 37 and John Ormiston 31 were the only two batsmen to make an impact as former Scarborough and York player Damon Gormley took 3-20. Gormley then took total control when Flixton batted as he raced to an unbeaten 89 which saw his side to a six-wicket victory.

Wilberfoss laid down their gauntlet when they travelled to Acomb and recorded a 105-run victory. There were run hauls for Phil Stothard with 78 and John Chaplin who made 50 as 'Foss reached 200-9. Two Acomb bowlers had creditable figures with Paul Hemingway taking 4-45 and Neil Williams 4-67 but Ian Underwood took 3-13 and Dave Chaplin 3-14 to close the innings on 95.

The derby between rivals Easingwold II and Stillington saw the closest fought draw of the day when Stillington's reply fell three runs short of victory with their last pair at the crease.

Easingwold were able to post a target of 151-6 with Gary Sanders making 41, Keith Hollinrake 33 on his welcome return to the cricket field, Richard Graves 28no and Tom Langstaff 25. Teenager Sean Speck was the pick of the bowlers for Stillington as he took 3-34.

Barry Milburn then threatened to grab the spoils for Stillington as he hit 83 but home captain Alan Robinson's 4-27 was just enough to see his side retain the front runner spot by a narrow margin as Stillington closed on 149-9.

Thorp Arch & Boston Spa were the only side on the day to make a declaration when they called a halt after plundering 246-6 at Civil Service in division four.

Teenager Mike Cole was top scorer with 86, being closely followed by Andy Hawkswell with 72. Other useful knocks came from Chris McGhee 32 and Steve Raine 27. When Service responded, Graham Purdy hit 41, Alistair Raper 34 and Mark Lancelot 28 but they were all out for 162.

The bowling performance of the day came from New Earswick's ageless John Routledge who took 8-51 in division six as Stillington were restricted to 125-9.

Mike Whitwell was the only batsman to cope with this quality bowling, making an unbeaten 47. New Earswick were then seen home by John Megson's unbeaten 25 which earned them a five-wicket victory.

Updated: 10:13 Monday, April 25, 2005