If the three York front order batsmen who scored 20 runs between them in the Yorkshire ECB County Premier League Cup tie against Hull needed some batting practice, they certainly got it in the semi-final of the Acomb Invitation Trophy against Dringhouses.

The dwindling band of a just over 100 spectators, who turned out these days to see the midweek game, got more than they bargained for.

They were frequently forced to scurry for shelter in the face of a slogging blitz that few could remember having seen take place in the space of three hectic hours.

Their dodging was to avoid no less than 15 sixes and 19 fours as York shook off the effects of last weekend's doleful double of Yorkshire League and cup defeats.

Whether York's 227-2 off 16eight ball overs turned out to be a record for evening cricket remained a mystery as records do not exist covering batting exploits such as that witnessed by the spectators at the distinguished Dringhouses' arena.

Marcus Wood (66no) and Nash Stone (74) put on 125 for the first wicket in the 11th over.

And then Nick Kay took up the cudgels to blast an unbeaten 73. Between them the trio hammered 13 huge sixes and 19 fours.

Not to be outdone, however, Dringhouses' opening bat, John Crowe set out to match York blow for blow scoring 62no in an innings of six boundaries, including two sixes to help to nudge the 'Dringy' reply to 109-5.

York now hope to put what they have learned from this week's win over Dringhouses to the test at Clifton Lane tomorrow when they face up to Rotherham Town.

The visitors could well have in tow Lesroy Weekes who five years ago raised Ken Skilbeck's 21-year-old Yorkshire League bowling record from 84 wickets in a season to 88 with the help of more overs per innings in 1996.

RAF pilot Dave Catlow is named in the York side tomorrow as young Tom Pringle has to concentrate on his school examinations.

Andrew Kay might find himself brought into the York squad along with his brother Nick.

Scarborough's skipper Mark Cowell is fearful that Andy Gray might be on county duty with Yorkshire although he fully expects Vic Craven to be available for the trip to Sheffield Collegiate in the league tomorrow.

Then 'Boro can turn their attention to taking on Doncaster in the League Cup at North Marine Road on Sunday.

League leaders Harrogate, well pleased with their seven-wicket win with ten overs to spare over Methley (183) in the group final of the ECB National Club KO last Sunday, should strengthen their grip on the top place when Barnsley visit St George's Road tomorrow.

Harrogate, who do not have a game this Sunday, have ground advantage in the inter-zonal round of the competition when they entertain Bramhall (Cheshire) on Sunday, July 15.

Updated: 11:41 Friday, July 06, 2001