THIXENDALE went top of HPH York Vale League division one with victory over Askham Bryan on a weekend heavily affected by rain.

Six fixtures in all were hit by the weather, but those that were played to a finish produced some significant outcomes.

Runs flowed and wickets tumbled regularly as Thixendale took first knock, with Askham’s Fasil Ansar (5-25) doing the damage with the ball, while Henry Harrison (27) and Jonty Gillingham (41) were the main contributors with the bat as Thixendale were bowled out for 173.

At 40-0 after seven overs, Askham looked on course to cause an upset before opening bowler Harrison removed both openers. Tight bowling and sharp fielding then restricted the Askham reply to 123.

Clifton Alliance dominated the early stages in a rain-reduced match against South Cave & Brantingham, keeping them down to 26-5 after winning the toss. Oliver Pierce (44 not out) then led the fightback and, despite three run outs, Cave recovered to 131-9.

Alliance responded in similar fashion, slumping to 19-5 before Tom Bews and Lewis Clark led their recovery with a partnership of 89. With the final pair needing 22 to win, Annie Brown was stumped by Sam Patchett to give Cave a narrow 16-run win.

Stamford Bridge (109-2) opened up a 52-point gap at the top of division two with a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Clifton Alliance II (108-9).

Veteran Des Healey (3-22), Charlie Wilson (44) and David Langton (32 not out) helped steer their side home.

In the only other completed game, Dunnington entertained Thorpe Willoughby, whose Dave Watson (4-10) and Steve Jackson (4-7) were on form, the latter removing Dunnington captain Steve Jackson for 45. Dunnington struggled to 77-9 before a last-wicket partnership of 26 lifted the score to 103 all out.

In response, Thorpe were soon in trouble, with both openers dismissed by Jordan Richardson. David Squires and Martin Cooke were both dismissed in the same over by 14-year-old Tom Appleton, leaving Thorpe on 36-4. Dunnington's young spin attack of Ed Millington (3-26) and Harvey Jackson (3-5)ensured Thorpe would fall well short on 62 all out.

Fourteen-year-old Max Thomas (77no and 6-9) was the star performer for Bolton Percy (163-4), recording both his first senior 50 and five-wicket haul as his side brought up a third victory in their division three encounter with visitors Pocklington (151).

Pocklington looked to be cruising in their reply at 113-1 in 25 overs, through an eventful 108 third-wicket partnership between Lee Dobbins (36) and Michael Longster (48) before Lee lost his off stump to a Louis Thomas delivery. This paved the way for brother Max to dominate proceedings as he claimed six wickets in 5.3 overs to see his side home.

Despite rain interruptions, table-toppers Thorpe Willoughby II (108-0) comfortably chased down the under-par Selby (107) score to maintain their lofty position.

Michael Carse (3-17) and spinner Ed Hutchinson (4-27) with the ball, followed by openers Craig Welford (36no) and Lewis Smith (52 no), were Thorpe's star performers as they completed their win within 18 overs.

In the other completed fixture in the division, Bishopthorpe (145-2) secured an eight-wicket win over Stamford Bridge (141-7).

Press Player of the Week goes to Max Thomas of Bolton Percy for his impressive milestones.