THERE was a real thriller in the Hunters York and District League premier division derby as Heworth snatched a one-wicket victory off the last ball against Acomb on the opening day of the new season..

Heworth had last man Martin Sigsworth to thank as he plundered the winning run off the final delivery after arriving at the crease with the scores equal and just one delivery remaining of an innings extending to 54 overs.

Heworth's Shahid Khan, who has played first-class cricket in Pakistan, showed immediate value when he claimed 5 for 37 as Acomb were dismissed for 157. Sri Lankan Shanuka Dissanayake top scored with 34 while Paul Hemmingway added 33.

Dissanayake then took 4 for 44 and Dave Sykes 4 for 76 but Dave Simpson played an important role in making 41 for Heworth who, nevertheless seemed likely to suffer for gaining extra overs until Sigsworth had the final say.

Beverley Town's ground was not up to standard for their first premier division game due to problems with their outfield so were forced to entertain Pocklington on their second pitch following a short-term solution approved by the League Committee.

Pocklington's batsmen certainly had no cause to complain as they took maximum batting points by reaching 203 for 6 through Rod Hinch (78) and Dave O'Gram (42).

Beverley's batsmen also had a reasonable day but were unable to surpass the visitors' total drawing at 176 for 8. Town's runs came from Tim Fordon (42), James Mitchell (38) and Mal Tissiman (31).

Two of the league's big guns were in opposition when Clifton Alliance entertained Easingwold in a game which saw two centuries scored, but it was the home side who claimed a five-wicket win.

Easingwold's Aussie recruit, Greg Everest, showed he had lost none of the form he has displayed in previous seasons in Stamford Bridge and Dunnington colours when he made 105 not out.

He had early support from Martin Piercy (41) and was then joined by Paul Skilbeck (34no) as Easingwold's innings closed at 217 for 3.

Clifton then lost early wickets before a fine stand between New Zealander Chris Dion (114no) and James Postill (44no) took them to the win.

Dunnington, who are hot favourites to retain their title, were rescued twice in their game against neighbouring Osbaldwick to eventually take the major share of the spoils in a drawn game.

Early Dunnington runs came from Simon Kellett (39) and new skipper Collis King (27) but wickets fell to David Thompson as he moved towards final figures of 6 for 104.

Wicketkeeper Paul Miles then launched a typical batting onslaught from his customary No7 birth to rattle an unbeaten 75 and, with Aussie Simon Cook hitting 33 off just 15 deliveries, the champions took tea on 223 for 8.

Osbaldwick's reply was spearheaded by Mark Thompson (70) while support came from S Robinson (32) and Dave Cooper (43).

They seemed to be cruising towards a shock victory but the introduction of Hamid Khan into the attack proved to be a shrewd move and his 4 for 24 preserved Dunnington's long unbeaten run as Osbaldwick fell eight runs short of their target at 216 for 8.

The first result to be received in the new campaign came from Sheriff Hutton Bridge following their rapid seven-wicket victory over Pickering.

New Bridge skipper Mike Smith had instant success when he put Pickering into bat and promptly removed opener Chris Nicholls before a run was scored.

However Smith's good luck soon deserted him when he was forced to withdraw from the attack due to injury after sending down only 27 deliveries.

Pickering's situation went from bad to worse as Harrion Muller grabbed three quick wickets to send the Pikes tumbling to 13 for 4.

Token resistance was offered by the Marwood brothers but Chris became Muller's fourth victim after making 17 as the South African completed figures of 4 for 18 off 12 overs.

Phil Marwood had reached 27 before he fell to a catch by keeper Pete Crowder to become the third victim of the youthful Danny Snowball (3 for 27) then Paul Oldfield (2 for 13) wrapped up the innings as the visitors were all out for 80.

Bridge lost three wickets before an unbeaten 37 from Steve Crowder saw them home.

There was a marked contrast in the bowling departments as Thirsk lost by six wickets at home to Woodhouse Grange.

The visitors included Kashif Raza, who has made one appearance for Pakistan in a one-day international, whereas Barry Petty was a notable absentee from the home team-sheet having indicated he may have decided to end his illustrious career which has seen him emerge as leading wicket-taker in his division for ten successive seasons.

Raza gave an impressive display to record 5 for 46 but, despite his efforts, Thirsk were able to make a sizeable score.

Dave Greenlay hit 65 and Aussie Keogan Luiters 67 to take the hosts to 192 for 7.

Thirsk's lack of bowling was then painfully obvious as Mike Burdett hit an unbeaten 72 and John Bean 42 as Woodhouse comfortably reached their target.

sport@ycp.co.uk

Fixtures in division five and division six of the Hunters Estate Agent York and District Senior League start next weekend.

Updated: 14:18 Monday, April 29, 2002