Thirsk's John Cook produced a devastating over of three wickets for just one run on the opening day of the Hunter York and District Senior Indoor Cricket League.

His triple treat sent Rowntrees 'B' crashing to one of the lowest totals in the league's history when they were dismissed for just 29 in seven overs to lose by 61 runs.

Cook's skipper, Des Wyrill, showed all his experience when he made an unbeaten 32 against Pickering. Unfortunately no-one else in his side was able to reach double figures as Tim Hodgson took 2-23 and Phil Aconley 2-27 to restrict the Northerners to 87-4.

Pickering openers George Rounthwaite (21) and Phil Aconley (20) gave their side a sound start but Mark Wainwright (2-31) kept Thirsk in the hunt. However, Pickering skipper Andrew Grayson was able to ease his side to a two-wicket win, Hodgson hitting the winning four.

Five Rowntrees batsmen reached double figures against Pickering but none went on to reach 20 as they helped their opponents cause with four run-outs to total a mere 75.

Rounthwaite then made 25no at the top of the Pickering order but Kevin Palmer then hit back with 3-9. Colin Frank restored the batting side to superiority in making 18 to help Pickering to their second two-wicket victory of the day.

Des Wyrill was again in good form when his side batted first against Rowntrees, as he added an unbeaten 37 for the 74th score of 25 or over in just 119 innings.

He had support from Cook, who made 25no, to help Thirsk reach 98-4 despite an impressive spell by Chris Todd who took 2-13.

A dismal batting display by Rowntrees then followed with another run out starting the collapse before Cook completed a fine day with his stunning 3-1 haul.

Of the three new teams taking part, Stillington's openers, Peter Dalton and Sean Kenny, both reached their retiring 25 and 14-year-old Shaun Speck made 17no out of 90-1 against Acomb 'B'.

Acomb's openers matched their counterparts as Andy Ingle made 26no and Andy Jacques 28no. After losing a wicket, Andy Harris (16no) and Tim Merrick (12no) saw Acomb to a sound five-wicket victory in the tenth over.

The biggest scores of the day were saved for the final game but Stillington's 107-4 was overtaken by an improved Selby.

Sean Kenny (29no) earned his second retirement of the day, while Mick Carr 24no, Pete Dalton (16) and Speck (19) helped their side's cause as Lake took 2-35.

Lake then raced to the retirement marker by hitting 28 off 11 balls, while Kev Lamb and Colin Banks (29no) also earned themselves a rest period. Lamb fell for 27 on his return after youngster Speck had claimed 2-30 but Lake 30no and Banks 29no ensured victory for Selby by two wickets.

Updated: 12:05 Friday, November 07, 2003