Misery for Simpson despite big century

Simpson’s marathon innings contained 12 fours and four sixes. Alex Collins struck an undefeated century as York batted first and made an encouraging start to their bid for a seventh consecutive title. Collins included six fours and six sixes in his innings of 103 not out as York piled up 307-7.

Jack Leaning, York’s new signing from Yorkshire Academy, marked his debut with 69.

Calum How, nephew of former York pace-man Gregg How, plundered a debut century for last season’s runners-up Harrogate at Rotherham Town, sharing an opening stand of 134 with Alex Twigg. Overseas player How hammered 14 boundaries.

Former Sheffield Collegiate spinner Will Street took four wickets for Rotherham, who lost by 41 runs.

Alex Osmond played a captain’s innings of 100 not out for Cleethorpes who defeated Sheffield United by 77 runs.

Osmond, who struck 10 fours and five sixes, had a fourth wicket partnership of 143 with Yaniv Judah who had an impressive knock of 80.

Paul Hilton’s pace was too hot for Doncaster Town who were bowled out for 122 in 41.2 overs at Appleby Frodingham and lost by seven wickets.

Hilton took 6-28 in 10.2 hostile overs and teenage South African Justin Dill grabbed 3-29 before going on to score 48 not out in the reply.

Yorkshire Academy defeated Castleford by 27 runs in a low-scoring affair at Savile Park where David Wainwright claimed 6-21 in 17 overs for Castleford and Karl Carver took 5-29 for the winners.

Barnsley opener Matthew Wilson made 77 but his side lost by eight wickets at Driffield Town for whom Ben Kohler-Cadmore hit 72.

Tim Appleyard’s unbeaten 94 steered Hull to a four-wicket victory at Sheffield Collegiate.