YORK LEAGUE: Scarborough teams march on

CRICKE T --- Scarborough CC vs Woodhouse Grange, played at Scarborough Cricket Club. // Darren Harland bats for Scarborough. Saturday 4th July 2015. HARRY ATKINSON

Scarborough’s first team strengthened their lead in the premier division with a thrilling five-run victory over Grange as the top two went head to head at North Marine Road.

The hosts, having chosen to bat first, were indebted to the top flight’s leading run-scorer Darren Harland, 52, his half-century and 31 from number eight batsman Jack Holt providing the majority of their total of 164 all out.

Harland did very well to survive Andrew Horner’s outstanding opening over, the latter bowling unchanged for a cracking spell of 2-40.

Ryan Gibson, with 29, and James Pick, 25, also played their part in giving the hosts a fighting chance.

David Suddaby, 4-58, and Josh Jackson, 3-18, did an excellent job of containment for the visitors, wicketkeeper Mike Burdett claiming three victims in a fine display.

In reply, Grange looked to be in charge have reached 62-1 after 15 overs thanks to brisk knocks from Andrew Bilton, 15, and Nick Hadfield, 22, but a middle-order collapse meant that Chris Bilton, with 65, was left to lead the Grange reply, with only Suddaby, 19, offering any support.

Top-notch bowling from Theo Smith, 4-29, including three LBWs, and Yorkshire CCC youngster Gibson, 3-43, ensured it would be the leaders that came out on top as the visitors fell agonisingly short on 159 all out.

Scarborough 2nds claimed a four-wicket victory in their high-scoring match at Carlton Towers to take top spot in division three south.

A cracking knock of 118 from all-rounder Mark Holmes saw Towers build a fine total of 229-6.

Excellent batting from Josh Mainprize, 58, Sam Carver, 73, and skipper Mark Cowell, 41no, steered the visitors to victory with four wickets to spare.

There was cause for celebration at Sewerby as the first division’s bottom side won for the first time since the opening day, beating Flixton by 17 runs.

Lewis Beasley made 50 as despite four wickets from Harry Walmsley, 4-53, the hosts reached 153.

It was then the bowling of ex-Staxton ace Adrian Long, 5-52, and stalwart Robin Coates, 3-19, that secured the points as the visitors were dismissed for 136.