AFAQ Ahmed’s brilliant all-round display kept University of York Staff in pole position in the HPH York Vale Cricket League division one.

His 4-18 off nine overs helped bowl out Bishopthorpe for 136 then he lashed 92 to see his side home in 22 overs.

Several sides are giving chase, among them Clifton Alliance. They ruthlessly despatched North Duffield, who slid from 64 without loss to 90 all out as Jon Bladen (6-13) and Ali Wray (4-14) tore through the card after the dismissal of opener Trevor Britain.

Tight bowling by Barmby Moor restricted Hemingbrough to 135 with top scorer Leyton Hallam (59) one of Dave Brent’s six victims to pave the way for a Moor victory, which featured 54 not out from Paul Stubley.

It was a similar tale at Burn, where Drax kept the home side down to 148-9 with Kelvin Brook taking 4-42. At 92-5 Drax still had some work to do but were piloted home by Harvey Thomas (42no).

Kelfield skipper Neil Atkinson (51no) hit a four off the last ball of the match to snatch a two-wicket win against Copmanthorpe in division two. Earlier Phil Smith took 6-41 for Kelfield, while Darren Hughes scored 54 in Cop’s 154.

Heworth edged a thriller against North Cave with one wicket and two balls to spare.

Chasing Cave’s 138, Heworth seemed out of it at 92-8 but a priceless 40-run stand by Charlie Binns (20) and Martin Boothroyd (19no) enabled the Elmpark Way side to snatch victory.

Askham Bryan have missed the explosive batting of David Knight since he joined Bradford League side Lightcliffe and their nine men mustered just 90 in pursuit of Ben Johnson’s excellent 219-7, which featured 76 from Danny Cameron.

Neil Earle hit 60 and his brother Mark took 4-48 as Westow beat Ovington by four wickets.

Fulfordgate rattled up 201-9 at Acomb with James Reeves (66) leading the charge and the home side were never in the hunt after Alan Baldock’s opening spell of 4-8, folding for 72.

Opener Philip Alford’s 52 was the feature of Hirst Courtney’s match-winning 222-9 against Drax II in division three, while Matt Beevers made the same score as Melbourne thrashed Thixendale by 120 runs.

Thorpe Willoughby wrapped up victory in double-quick time against Hemingbrough II as Granville North (6-15) sent them crashing to 35 all out.

Selby’s Gareth Pearce (67) steered Selby to an easy win against Burton Salmon, while a partnership of 119 between Dave Kerrison (68) and Steve Fraser (60no) gave Stockton & Hopgrove II victory against Stillingfleet.

In division four, Woodhouse Grange recovered from 41-4 to amass 204-7 against Thorp Arch & Boston Spa thanks to Dan Wilson (72) and Colin Smith (58no). Despite 64 from Freddie Watson, TABS lost by 80 runs.

Andy Spence (4-10) and John Latimer (4-21) bowled Bishopthorpe II to victory against Pocklington.

Wheldrake II successfully defended a modest 115 against Malton & Old Malton with all six of their bowlers, led by Bill Freeman’s 3-6, getting wickets.

Most teams in division five played on both Saturday and Sunday with Ben Potter starring for Ovington II with a match-winning 77 and 7-56 against Burn II.

The previous day under-16 player Joe Whale (67no) scored his maiden half century as Ovington II beat Stockton & Hopgrove II.

Stockton bounced back to thump York RI by eight wickets, Richard Kerrison (100) and Dan Reardon (72) enjoying a 180-run stand.


Performance of the week

Ovington II all-rounder Ben Potter for his 77 and 7-56 against Burn II.