OFF-SPINNER Karl Wallis turned in an outstanding performance to see second division Thixendale through to the semi-finals of the York Vale Cricket League’s HPH Cup.

Thixendale’s seamers made little progress against top-tier team Stockton & Hopgrove openers Richard Kerrison (82) and Peter Fairclough (29), who put on 88.

Thix used 10 bowlers but it was Wallis who proved that spin was the key, taking 7-39 to bowl Stockton out for 189.

Thixendale’s second-wicket pair Simon Walgate (84 not out) and Joe Robinson (80no) enjoyed a partnership of 151 to win the game in the 23rd over.

Ovington beat Clifton Alliance by nine wickets to remain on course for a hat-trick of successes in the competition.

David Skaith (99) was the standout batsman as Alliance were restricted to 187-8. Ovington cruised home thanks to Pete Kelly (81no) and Joe Whale (88no).

Westow thrashed South Cave & Brantingham with Adrian Upton having figures of 10-2-16-5 as Cave were bowled out for 71.

Tadcaster Magnet’s batsmen found Bishopthorpe’s Alex Bindloss impossible to get away in the Scothern Construction Cup.

His five overs were all maidens and he took three wickets as Tad were bowled out for 74. Mike Dale (44) and Joe Curtis (13no) sped Bish to 50 in 10 overs, Curtis finishing the game with a big six.

Yapham skipper Andy Noble (4-32) shone as his side beat Stamford Bridge II in the final over.

Sam Noble (58) and Tom Binns (56) both scored maiden senior half-centuries in Yapham’s 169-5. Stamford’s batsmen made a decent start, but captain Noble, who took a couple of catches off his own bowling, pegged them back to 125-7. He also took the last wicket with three balls remaining.

It was a different story for Yapham II who spent the afternoon chasing leather as first division Burn posted 283-7.

Graham Stansfield (72) and teenager Patrick Abbott (59) both posted half-centuries, supported by Andy Watson (46) and Michael Sullivan (34no). Yapham captain Keith Cardy took 4-46 and opener David Booth carried his bat for 72 not out as the visitors closed on 149-8.

Stamford Bridge proved too strong for Dunnington, romping to a 111-run win which included 101 not out by Ian Fraser, an unbeaten 75 by Lewis Wilson, off 26 scoring balls, and 65 from Tom Lawson.

Dunnington openers Harry Griffiths (55) and Greg Ashcroft (56) put on 106 but once they departed there was only one outcome.

Second division side Thorpe Willoughby overturned first division Askham Bryan by eight wickets in the Guy Mitchell Cup.

Ali Hogben (75) gave his Askham colleagues a lesson in shot placement in a below par 119-8 – four wickets falling to run-outs.

A third-wicket stand of 116 between Elliott Precious, who was dropped three times in his unbeaten 70, and Andy McEvoy (38no) saw Thorpe home.

Melbourne only managed 26 from the first 10 overs against Ovington II before Oliver Steels (36no) ramped the total up to 117-6, Iain Kirkup taking 4-40.

Ovington’s batsmen struggled to 78-4 in reply, Scott Coupland starring with figures of 5-1-8-4 which included a triple-wicket maiden.

Hirst Courtney and Burn agreed to play their tie as 40 overs each. Ben Copeland (69no) top scored in Hirst’s 160-6. Fifteen-year-old Sam Edwards (48no) and Ed Clark (67no) sealed Burn’s victory.

Fulfordgate were seven-wicket winners in the Prendergast Memorial Cup against Pocklington, who could only manage 68-6, nine of the 20 overs being maidens.

With four ducks on the scorecard, Malton & Old Malton II were bowled out for 68 by Ovington III, Finn Baqai taking 3-18.

Acomb’s Paddy Slade included a hat-trick in his 4-18 as his side beat Thorpe Willoughby II.

Press Performance of the Week: Karl Wallis’s haul of 7-39 help second division Thixendale beat top flight Stockton & Hopgrove in the HPH Cup.