The dismal spring weather had a profound affect upon the opening day of the Horwath Pulleyn Heselton York Vale Cricket league with just five games being completed over the weekend, writes John Parkin.

In the first division newly-promoted Ovington made a respectable 150 for 6 only for York to pip them with the last pair at the wicket.

British Sugar gained promotion at the end of last season to the second division and opened their account with a 32 run win over old rivals Fulfordgate in a game totally dominated by the bowlers.

Division three newcomers Escrick Park and Hirst United made their debuts with the home club winning comfortably by eight wickets before the rain set in. Ben Johnson, having restricted Melbourne to 119 for 7, couldn't beat the rain and the game was abandoned after 10 overs with the printers on 25 for 0.

Ovington's second string also found life in the higher fourth division tough at Bishopthorpe where the hosts were comfortable eight wicket winners.

Copmanthorpe's second XI had the better of relegated Tadcaster Magnet in the fifth division and a solid performance from York saw their fourth XI defeat their counterparts from Woodhouse Grange.

HORWATH PULLEYN HESELTON

YORK VALE LEAGUE RESULTS

Div 1: Ovington 150-6 lost to York 151-9

Div 2: British Sugar 73 beat Fulfordgate 41 by 32 runs

Div 3: Escrick Park 87-2 beat Hirst United 86 by 8 wickets, Melbourne 119-7 drew with Ben Johnson 25-0 rain stopped play

Div 4: Bishopthorpe 102-2 beat Ovington 96 by 8 wickets

Div 5: Copmanthorpe 97 beat Tadcaster Magnet 78 by 16 runs, York 114-2 beat Woodhouse Grange 113-4

All other matches cancelled

Updated: 12:57 Monday, April 30, 2001