York Senior: Alliance stave off threat of relegation

Stamford were pegged back by Scott Hopkinson (3-14) and Rich Carroll (3-18) as Kev Murphy (34) and Oliver Pimlott (26) were the pick of Stamford’s batsmen but their 113 all out was clearly inadequate. This proved to be the case when Joe Ashdown’s unbeaten 56 steered the Alliance to a six-wicket win despite a return of 4-14 by Dave Craven.

An innings of 77 by Collis King not only lifted his season’s aggregate to 974 but also set up a 116-run victory for Dunnington at Studley Royal. He was well supported by Kev Bradley (34), Harwood Williams (31) and Jack Bolam (50) in a total of 222-5. Josh Snowden’s 4-26 cut the hosts down for 106.

Acomb started the day in a seemingly comfortable eighth place but found themselves relegated after a series of circumstances combined with their eight-wicket defeat at York. Chief architect of their downfall was Nick Kay (4-19) as Acomb were toppled for 80 and then made 36no as he and Simon Lambert (41no) overcame the loss of two early wickets.

Already crowned champions, Woodhouse Grange defeated bottom-placed Selby by three wickets. The Selby innings revolved around Tom Collins(42) and Darrell Guy (34). Steve Burdett (3-20) and Tom Quinn (3-22) bowled well for Woodhouse Grange. Selby bowled and fielded tightly with Tom Collins taking 3-38. Chris Bilton (36) held the innings together as Grange were reduced to 118-7 but Mike Burdett (25 n.o.)and Tom Quinn (13 n.o.) steered Grange home in the 46th over.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge and Sewerby drew their match, ensuring the hosts clinched runners-up spot while Sewerby stayed up.

Beverley clinched the eighth-placed slot when they successfully chased a target of 205-8 set by Easingwold (Paul Skilbeck 67no, Martin Pierc 29) to win by eight wickets. Beverley’s fine response was headed by Faisal Abid who made 126no.