Rowntree 'B' team won both their games on the opening day of the York Senior Cricket League's indoor season to take an early lead in division two.

Thirsk, Bolton Percy and league newcomers Osbaldwick each won one of their two games, but an under-strength Stillington side suffered two defeats.

Taking first innings in the first game, the Rowntree batsmen benefited from Stillington's shortage of fielders to make 116 all out.

Kev Palmer made 21 and Albert Pattison 29 in his 150th innings in the competition, before being run out off the final delivery of the innings.

Stillington's batsmen then struggled against tight bowling as Geoff Walls claimed 2-11 to move into second place in the league's all-time wicket-takers table, and they were only able to reach 55-5 to lose by 61 runs.

Rowntree remained in the field for their second game and quickly gained three Bolton Percy wickets for just 24 runs as Walls (2-13) again posed problems.

Bolton rallied through Henry Houseman (24) and Martin Furze (21) and reached 84 before losing their last wicket in the final over.

Palmer again gave the York side a good start reaching the retirement mark of 25.

Tony Thompson (18) and Pattison (25no) then ensured a four-wicket win for Rowntrees with two balls to spare.

Stillington were still understaffed for their second game but made 71 all out against Thirsk with Dave Allitt making 29.

Thirsk moved to a two-wicket win with Des Wyrill making 27no and Owen Grant 22no.

Osbaldwick played Bolton Percy in their first game and were dismissed for just 46 with Henry Houseman claiming 2-8 and Nick Lister 2-16.

Ian Russell then made 20no as Bolton Percy strolled to a five-wicket victory.

Osbaldwick turned in a much better performance when they beat Thirsk in the final game of the day. Andy Hall's unbeaten 27 helped Osbaldwick to 88-2.

Matt Dunne then followed with 2-13 as Osbaldwick took steps to prevent Des Wyrill resuming his innings after retirement.

Wyrill did eventually return but was immediately dismissed for 26 as Thirsk were bowled out for 65 to lose by 23 runs.