Wyrill marks a great day with fine knock

Thirsk stalwart Des Wyrill reached a memorable personal milestone when his side batted first against Easingwold as he reached 20,000 runs in the premier and first division of the York Senior League.

Wyrill achieved his target when he reached 22 before pulling a muscle and retiring after reaching 50. Despite pursuing a successful 14-year career in the Yorkshire League with York and the Bradford League where he played for Yeadon, Idle and Eccleshill, Des has piled on the runs during lengthy spells with Sheriff Hutton Bridge and Thirsk and a shorter stay at Heworth.

Having played a few games as a youngster for Easingwold, Wyrill has had a lifelong friendly rivalry with the club and it was appropriate that they should be the opposition when the milestone was achieved. The game itself turned out to be a real thriller as it resulted in a tie with Easingwold's last pair at the crease. In addition to Wyrill's half century Ryan McKendry struck an unbeaten 67 and Mark Cook added 41 in a total of 186-4.

Easingwold's innings then took a calamitous turn as they were reduced to 73-6 as McKendry completed a match double of a half century and five wickets by grabbing 5-63. The visitors then dug in with good effect through Andy Dawson 37 and Richard Bowling 43 to haul their innings back to 186-9.

Two teams with equal points were in opposition at Clifton Alliance where the table-toppers entertained Dunnington. The anticipated closely-fought encounter failed to materialise as Dunnington's batsmen were routed by the twin home attack of Alex Renton who claimed

4-32 in 12.5 overs and Rich Carroll who grabbed 4-12 in just three overs as the visitors were dismissed for 107.

Shaun Holmes made 45 and Jason Gatus an unbeaten 34 as Clifton won by seven wickets.

Two other sides still harbouring thoughts of winning the title clashed at Sessay where Woodhouse Grange got the better of their higher-placed hosts in a drawn game.

There were half centuries from Nick Hadfield 77 and Mike Burdett 63 as well as 40 by Chris Bilton as Grange posted 246-6.

Richard Till took 3-55 for Sessay who had a middle order collapse after Mark Wilkie's 48 had given them a good start. Steve Burdett sent down a miserly 16 overs as he claimed 3-25 but Sessay were able to gain an honourable draw at 199-6 after Nick Harrison (73) and Nick Thorne (38no) added 112 for the fifth wicket.

Fenner's upward progress continued when they beat Stamford Bridge by four wickets in a low-scoring game at Marfleet.

Stamford were shot out for just 97 as Fenner debutant Graham Wilkinson made 35 as the hosts made 98-6.