HAIL and rain might again have marred the HPH York Vale Cricket League programme, but Drax enjoyed a run-storm.

They amassed the day's top total of 248-5 to smite first division newcomers Burn. Drax's rush was led by 18-year-old Steve Smith, who gorged 93 runs, including seven sixes. Not to be out-gunned, Rich Ounsley weighed in with a rapid 77 not out, matching Smith's six-hit tally.

Burn could not emulate such power-hitting and ended their innings on 140-6, Dave Bramley top-scoring with an unbeaten 41.

North Duffield kept up the pace by eclipsing Askham Bryan YPO. Askham's 112 was spearheaded by Pete Wood's 55 in the face of Trevor Britain taking 3-25. Britain returned with the bat to score 42 as North Duffield ran out seven-wicket victors.

Neil Drew's unbeaten 72 inspired his Ben Johnson team to 138-5 against Stockton and Hopgrove in division two. Ian Smith took 3-35 for Stockton.

Rich Kerrison was the only thorn in the BJ side scoring 31, but the accuracy of Darren Snowden (5-24) led to Stockton perishing for 105.

In division three, an opening stand of 107 between Wistow's Jamie Middleton (48) and Paul Elliott (50) was in vain as Graham Haigh (4-31) led Ovington's fight-back. Wistow's 128-5 was overhauled due to an unbroken 66-run stand between Dave Eland (36no) and Tom Cookson (31no).

Despite George Cooper taking 5-65 for Malton and Old Malton, Thorpe Willoughby were still able to score 168-8 largely thanks to Dave Watson (49no) and Martin Cooke (51). Malton's reply only had Ben Gill (30) offering any resistance as Watson (4-14) and Cooke (3-25) skittled them out 57 runs shy.

Askham Bryan YPO found an unlikely batting hero in 12-year-old David Smith. His 41 took his side to 140-8, Ovington's Craig Niccoll claiming 3-17. Once Peter Smith (60) departed with the score at 80-1 the reply collapsed, Mike Hodgkinson (4-34) and Terry Kiernan (3-46) wrapping things as Ovington slumped to 134 all out.

Woodhouse Grange toppled Drax in division four thanks to Andrew Cooper's lofted single from the last ball.

Drax totalled 122-6, John Brook top-scoring on 31. Brook (4-43) and spinner Stephen Hall (4-22) nearly precipitated a win before Cooper ensured Grange's one-wicket triumph at the death.

Burn head division five after a 14-run win over Tadcaster Magnet.

Ian Armstrong (54no) and Paul Bogie shared a 133-run stand in the 151-1 total. Tadcaster made a decent effort but the consistent Steve Goldsborough (4-44) and Geoff England (4-24) saw Burn home.

Melbourne are hot on the heels of the leaders after beating Sheriff Hutton. Ian Scott (66) and Mike Howden (68no) took Melbourne to 173-5.

Barry Underwood (4-36) kept the total down with only Gareth Parry (39) seriously troubling the scorer.

Updated: 11:27 Thursday, May 12, 2005