Horwath Pulleyn-Heselton York Vale League division one newcomers Fulfordgate were unhinged by a really Wild show.

North Duffield's Lee Wild proved the scourge of Fulfordgate, removing six batsmen for 24 runs in an all-out total of 58. That blitz enabled Duffield to amble home to win by eight wickets.

Top-flight champions Norwich Union got the defence of their crown off to a winning start.

Batting first, Norwich Union rattled along to 161 all out, Stockton and Hopgrove's bowlers doing well to restrict the free-flowing Union batsmen. But in reply the Hopgrove hitters were out of form and were all out 38 runs short.

Last year's bridesmaids Askham Bryan YPO hosted Bishopthorpe. Askham skipper Mike Hamshere led the way with 3-20, ably supported by Dave Hughes' 3-18. Together they skittled Bishopthorpe for 111. Dean Palmer wasted no time in reaching 61no for an eight-wicket win.

Westow travelled to division one new boys Tollerton Outlaws, whose openers added 50 for the first wicket. Tony Raper top-scored with 33, but the 147-4 total was well within Westow's reach.

Rob Kellock rattled up 42 before becoming Pete Clark's third victim as Paul Raper (3-35) curtailed Westow's innings 23 runs short.

The two demoted sides from the top-flight had contrasting opening days in division two.

Firstly, Burn racked up 205-7 against Hirst United. Glen Hunter top-scored with 62, while all seven wickets were gained by Dave Howsam. Despite Phil Atford's half-century, Ashley Abbott's 7-34 guided Burn to victory by 81 runs.

Ovington, however, were overwhelmed by Ben Johnson's 193-6 of which Neil Drew's 57no was the bedrock. Dave Snowdon's 6-33 undermined Ovington and underpinned BJ's 139-run victory.

It was almost 'to the max' for Burton Salmon's Max Driscoll against Stillingfleet. Driscoll was the match-winner with a startling haul of 9-35 to seal a six-wicket triumph.

Thixendale's new boy James Wigby obliged with 4-27 against Wheldrake. And despite three wickets each for Les Feam and Carl Van Niekirk, Thixendale held on for a three-wicket win.

In division three, newly-promoted Malton and Old Malton held on to beat Thorpe Willoughby by 13 runs.

Mike Hodkinson and Paul Thornton bagged four wickets each in helping to restrict Woodhouse Grange to 102-9. However, Tony Smith and Anderson then shared eight wickets for 12 runs leaving Grange 78-run winners.

Stephen Buckton enjoyed a decent all-round performance for Acomb against Bishopthorpe in division four. His 3-8 and 26no ensured a win by three-wickets.

Division five new boys Sheriff Hutton lost to Stockton and Hopgrove by five wickets.

Updated: 10:05 Thursday, April 29, 2004