CLIFTON Alliance racked up the third-highest total in Hunters York and District Senior Cricket League premier division history as they beat fellow York side Osbaldwick by a massive 164 runs.

The Shipton Road outfit have made a habit of hitting 300-plus totals and their score of 305-6 was their fourth in the eight-year history of the division and the third best behind Heworth's 321-8 in 1999 and their own 307-2 last year.

The batting carnage was spearheaded by Aussie Daniel Harris whose 119 was his second ton in just three outings, following his unbeaten 132 on the opening day. He combined with Dave Taylor to put on 188 in a first-wicket stand which had virtually taken the game away from the home team by the time Taylor fell for 73.

Further runs came from John Hunter (41) and Jonathon Stevens, who made an unbeaten 32. Home bowler Steve Young emerged with credit as he took 4-47 as his bowling colleagues were put to the sword. 'Wick skipper Andy Hall then replied with 32 but John Thornton (4-20) and Alex Renton (3-13) ensured a maximum haul for the visitors.

The inner-city clash between Acomb and Heworth ended in a four-wicket victory for Dave Simpson's rejuvenated side despite an unbeaten 80 by Acomb's Richard Sykes.

Scott Nicholls assisted with 34 but spinner Chris Pitts produced his best bowling figures in Heworth colours as his 4-38, coupled with 3-69 by Dave Bowling, had Acomb under control at 166-7. Home skipper Andy Tute hit back with 3-41 but Colin de Grandhomme led the reply with 45, while Dave Simpson made 28 to help his side to a four-wicket win.

Dunnington's decision to bat first when they entertained newly promoted Malton & Old Malton backfired when they were unable to split the last pair as Malton held on for a draw.

The hosts slipped to 68-3 but were then taken to 212 without further loss by Collis King and Masood Asim Butt, who shared an unbroken stand of 144. King reached 97no, being denied a second successive century by the reduction of two overs whilst his young Pakistani partner made 58no. Neil Johnson then made 25 as Zahid Khan took 4-30.

After logging century opening stands in both encounters last season, Easingwold's opening pairing of Martin Piercy and Jonathon Marwood only moved into the 60s before being parted.

The pair seemed to be on course for another big partnership at Sheriff Hutton Bridge until Piercy fell for 35 to Paul Oldfield's first delivery of the season. Marwood followed last season's scores of 88 and 110 with 95, while Tom Piercy made 66 as Easingwold battled through both hail and sandstorms to make 246-6.

In Bridge's reply, Ian Clish made 32, Stephen Crowder 44 and Dave Gilbertson 25, but Gavin Rees took 4-30 to produce the first victory of the season for the reigning champions, who won by 92 runs.

Sessay travelled to Sutton on Derwent where they had a fine victory over Woodhouse Grange to move into second place.

Nick Harrison led the way for the Hambleton side with 74, while other valuable contributions came from John Flintoff (31), Chris Till (27) and Dave Johnson (28). Highly-rated teenage spinner Andrew Bilton led the Grange bowling with 4-54.

His side's reply then got off on a high as Richard Steele (55) and Nick Hadfield (46) posted an opening stand of 103. However, the wheels then fell off with a vengeance as Stuart Peirse 5-65 and Matthew Till 5-27 shared the spoils and, in capturing all ten wickets for just 62 runs, bowled Woodhouse out for 165.

Updated: 11:48 Monday, May 09, 2005