CLIFTON Alliance continued their Vale Cricket League division one title defence with a crucial home win against third-placed Stockton & Hopgrove.

Put in to bat, the visitors' openers put on a century partnership before both departed at 111. Alexander Morphet (3-7) bowled a crucial spell for Clifton as the innings closed on a below-par 183-7.

In pursuit, the hosts had key contributions from Kevin Bradley (26), Niall Tisley (69), Jake Mead (41) and skipper Matthew Philips (25 not out) to seal victory with five overs left.

Second-place Kelfield (216-8) maintained the pressure on the leaders with a convincing win at Thixendale (138).

At the other end of the table, South Cave & Brantingham (73) struggled again with the bat as Jordan Richardson (5-19) helped Dunnington (55-3) to claim the spoils, Harry Paver (62no) blasting his side to victory.

Stamford Bridge (58) dropped into the bottom two after being bowled out cheaply at Yapham (59-4).

Melbourne (178-3) continued their climb with a win at Ovington (176-5).

Leaders Hirst Courtney (66-4) recorded their ninth win of the division two season, Ovington (66) having no answer to the hosts' bowling attack.

In-form second-placed Burn (236-4) made it a tough afternoon for Pocklington’s (83-5) bowlers.

Ben Johnson (163-4) remain third after completing their run chase at Heworth with the final ball.

Hemingbrough (233-4) beat a young Clifton Alliance (144), whose Rajesh Kasipandian (3-34) and Charlie Brackley (3-34) curtailed the visitors' response.

Wheldrake (157-4) overcame visitors Thorpe Willoughby (153-9).

Bolton Percy III (169) beat division three title challengers Heworth IV (145-8).

Skipper Richard Simpson’s (7-27) efforts were in vain for Heslington (54) as Thorpe Willoughby II (195-8) proved too strong for his young side.

l Player of the week: Matthew Walker of Kelfield for his 50 and three early wickets at Thixendale.