THE big game in division one of the HPH York Vale Cricket League lived up to top billing with Tollerton Outlaws edging out Bishopthorpe by five runs.

Second-placed Tollerton batted first and found runs hard to come by against accurate pace bowling from Ian Holmes and Mark Cunningham.

Only a dogged 46 from Andy Charlton and a late blast from Curly Richardson allowed a score of 138-5 to be posted.

Bishopthorpe's openers made hay in the sunshine and put on 42 runs before the Outlaws' attack found its radar. Wickets started to fall and despite cameo efforts from Jim Short and Ian Holmes the third-placed side were just behind the clock.

Andy Fairburn was last man at the crease with ten runs needed from the final over. Richardson bowled Cunningham from the final ball to leave Tollerton five run victors.

British Sugar batsman Steve Bellerby's good form continued against Fulfordgate. His 116 run total dominated his side's score of 203-4. Fulfordgate's returning Keith Pepper started his campaign as he left the last with a fine 85no. This proved in vain though as tight Sugar bowling saw 'Gate fall 40 runs shy.

Askham Bryan YPO's Dean Palmer also dominated the scoring in his sides' 52-run victory over Drax. He also scored 116 from a total of 177-7. Mike Hamshere then returned 5-41 and Mark Grewer 4-36 to bowl Drax out for 115.

Reigning champions Norwich Union had all rounder Gavin Faulkner in fine form against Westow. His 6-38 reduced Westow to 113 all out. His unbeaten 18 then ensured a five wicket win.

North Duffield openers Dave Beilby and Lee Wild got away to a good start against Stockton and Hopgrove. Their 71 run stand enabled a total of 154-7. Mick Grimes was the best Stockton bowler with 4-29. Rich Kerrison top scored for Stockton as Lee Wild produced 4-27 in limiting Stockton to 105-9.

In division four, Acomb's Adrian Harris enjoyed his side's win over Pocklington. He took 3-36 in bowling out Pock for 84. He then opened and scored 35 before being the only wicket to fall.

Huntington thrashed sorry Bishopthorpe by eight wickets. Stu Ross took 6-16 en route to bowling out Bishopthorpe for 44. Nick Lamour contributed 25 before being stumped in reply.

Selby's Aiden Pearce turned the game against Burn on its head by taking 6-10 in bowling Burn out for 91. Selby struggled along but managed to pass the total with two wickets left.

Melbourne had a match to remember against Tadcaster Magnets. Melbourne's Martin Kidd top scored with 61 from 176-9. Trevor Hardy collected 6-44 for Tadcaster who then could find no response to Ian Underwood whose 5-22 skittled them for 67.

Heworth's Matthew Wragg scored a defiant 80no against Malton and Old Malton to help his side to 183-5. However, an opening stand of 146 between Toby Meegan (110no) and Simon Brookshaw (51) saw Malton home by nine wickets.

Ovington posted 158-6 against nine-man Stockton and Hopgrove in division five. Michael Collinson then carried his bat for 40no but apart from Barry Sellers' 27, had little support as Stockton closed on 122-8, Ben Steele taking 4-29.

Harry Codling, of Wheldrake, was the fourth centurian of the day. His 112 formed the basis of his side's 230-4 against Selby who closed on 90-4. Kevin Dent took 3-17 from his ten overs.

A defiant 52 from Thorpe Willoughby bat Neil Copsey proved in vain as Copmanthorpe's 170-5 proved impassable. Copmathorpe's Neil Brook wrapped up proceedings with a hat-trick.

Updated: 12:08 Thursday, May 27, 2004