A HAT-TRICK from Mark Dobson earned Heworth’s senior team an opening round victory in the Foss Evening Cricket League.

Dobson helped to restrict Dunnington to 83-6 after Paul Neal (61no) and Dan Walton (43) had led Heworth to 131-6.

Champions Woodhouse Grange also started with a victory, surpassing Yapham’s 67-4 with 14 balls to spare. Woodhouse were endebted to an unbeaten second-wicket stand of 70 between 16-year-olds Chris Bilton (17no) and Tom Young (51no). Young hit a six to finish the game and bring up his half-century.

Stamford Bridge timed their run-chase to perfection as they overhauled Barmby Moor’s 91-7 off the last ball to win by five wickets. Mike Brent made 27 for Moor, but Dave Chaplin’s leg-spinners claimed 3-16.

Wheldrake won by nine wickets against promoted Melbourne, who were bowled out for 84.

In division two, Thixendale rattled up the highest score of the night with 164-5 in 18 overs. Nigel French hit an unbeaten 87, with support from Sam Machen (37) and Pete Stacey (25). Westow could only muster 40 in reply as Sam Megginson took 3-2.

Londesborough Park batsmen Ben Lewis (42) and Tom Medley (36no) top-scored in their 137-4. Stockton & Hopgrove were well behind the asking rate, making only 38-6 in reply.

Heworth Colts started with a 16-run victory over Cueball.

Matt Huffer (37) and Tom Allan (26) resisted Dean Cairns (3-21) as Heworth posted 127-7.

Mick Nelson’s 28 led the chase, but Cueball closed short at 111-7.