RECORDS tumbled and top-of-the-table competition intensified in the Vale Cricket League as sides continued their pursuit of silverware, writes Graham Purdy.

Division one leaders and reigning champions Clifton Alliance slipped to only their second defeat of the season as they failed in pursuit of fourth-placed Yapham’s 201-9.

Robert Boddy (61) featured for Yapham before Rob McCoy (3-18) led the way in restricting Clifton Alliance to 156-7.

Second-place Kelfield (307-0) smashed all-known league records when openers Gary Moore (160 not out) and Craig Lawson (131no) shared a triple hundred partnership against struggling Stamford Bridge (131).

Chris Walker (4-43) helped to complete the home side performance with Stewart Fraser (49) providing some resistance for the visitors.

Third-placed Stockton & Hopgrove’s (231-4) batting line-up proved too strong for visitors Ovington (147-7) as Rob Cockerill (109) struck a quick-fire century from just 90 balls.

Dunnington’s (59) poor run of form saw them slip into the bottom three with defeat at Melbourne (184-5), the latter's Oliver Steels (80) and Matt Beevers (5-5) putting in stand-out performances.

Thixendale (149-2) inflicted a further defeat on South Cave & Brantingham (147-6), who remain at the foot of the table.

Harshal Deshmukh (57no) featured in the home side innings but Jonty Gillingham (69no) and Tom Hitchenor (45) secured the points for ‘Dale with overs to spare.

In the Sunday fixture, Clifton Alliance (111-7) returned to winnings ways with a narrow win against an out-of-form Dunnington (110), securing the result in the final over of a thrilling encounter.

Division two table-toppers Hirst Courtney (80) stumbled at Thorpe Willoughby (81-8) as bowlers Jordan Leybourn (3-13) and Danny Crockford (3-23) were in command.

Ben Johnson (163-2) completed another successful run chase against Hemingbrough (162-9) with Simon Wragg (61) and Dave Wells (54no) among the run for the victors.

Alistair Simpson (5-5) and Drew Patel (3-3) set-up a crushing win for Heworth (32-0) at Ovington (31) who remain bottom of the table and awaiting their first win of the season.

Pocklington (77-1) enjoyed their trip to Clifton Alliance (76), with Finlay Waldron (3-17) being the pick of the bowler for the former.

Meanwhile, in division three, Bolton Percy III (123) moved back to top spot with a win at Stamford Bridge (50).

Thorpe Willoughby (134-8) maintained their good form with a narrow win over fellow challengers Heworth (119).

Selby (175) continued their run of good form with a win at Heslington (139-9).