YORK MADE a determined start in the first division of the Horwath Pulleyn Heselton York Vale Cricket League taking 29 points from their game at Hemingbrough, writes John Parkin.

Ovington made short work of newly promoted York Post Office romping to a nine-wicket win, while Burn won their derby at Drax by five wickets and Norwich Union were far too strong for Stamford Bridge.

The newly-promoted teams to division two clashed at Copmanthorpe where visitors North Duffield were worthy winners by 32 runs.

A workmanike performance from British Sugar saw them beat relegated Heworth while Thixendale celebrated their return to their home ground with a resounding nine-wicket win over Wheldrake.

Westow had an excellent win at Thorpe Willoughby.

A storming start by Tollerton in division three who were also facing fellow promotion team in York University Staff and beat them comprehensively.

Ben Johnson gave notice of their desire to make a rapid return to the higher division with a big win at Woodhouse Grange.

But it looks like being a strong division as Escrick Park opened up their account with a win at Askham Bryan and Kelfield winning at Melbourne.

Drax gained revenge for their first XI being defeated winning by three wickets in the division four clash at Burn.

Huntington made a useful knock but couldn't keep the Ovington batsmen in check and went down by four wickets.

Heworth were much too strong for Selby and Wistow off to a good start at Tadcaster Magnet.

Bishopthorpe will also be looking for a quick return to better days and had an encouraging win at Selby.

Pocklington had plenty to spare when beating Thorpe Willoughby as did York who beat Copmanthorpe.

Updated: 14:15 Monday, April 29, 2002