AN unbeaten 75 from Scarborough's Mark Cowell saw the Oxbridge Yorkshire County Premier League gain a comfortable eight wicket win over the Costcutter York and District Senior Cricket League in the Yorkshire Senior Inter League competition at Osbaldwick.

Batting first, the York League struggled against some tight bowling, particularly by Yorkshire Academy and County seconds team paceman Tom Baker, who only conceded 16 runs off eight overs.

Nevertheless, openers Richard Sykes (Acomb) and Dave Simpson (Heworth) were able to reach 46 before the latter was bowled for 28.

Sykes soon followed, being stumped for 15 before Colin Frank (Pickering) was then removed for five.

Clifton Alliance's Dave Taylor fell to a stunning catch to give Ed McKenna his first wicket and the same bowler, who was in the Yorkshire Board side that met the County XI at Harrogate last Wednesday, then decimated the York side's innings.

Richard Musgrave (Clifton Alliance) made a spirited 26 before being bowled by McKenna at 103-5 as the Sheffield Collegiate bowler went on to take 5 for 35 in 7 overs as York struggled to 139-9 in their 50 overs.

When the County Premier League replied, Pickering's James Postill gave the York side a boost when he had Yorkshire Colt Simon Widdup caught at slip for just six.

However, Mark Cowell and Castleford skipper John Randerson then embarked on a decisive partnership as they moved to 98 before the latter was dismissed for 48.

This was the last success for the York bowlers as Cowell moved to 75no to clinch the win with 12 overs to spare, despite Wilberfoss spinner Andy Gray producing a splendid bowling spell of 0-18 off ten overs.

Beverley batsman Tim Fordon hit a 68 ball century to help his side to a 59 run victory at Rowntrees in the final second round tie in the York Senior League's Edward Readman Memorial Trophy.

Beverley will now visit Crayke in the quarter final on July 2.

With Beverley wobbling at 89-5 Fordon's innings transformed the game. He reached 50 in 47 balls and then took only 21 balls to add a further 50 as the Beverley innings closed at 211-9.

Rowntree opener Nick Sedgewick made 56 but the York side plunged to 93-5. Alex Ingram (17) and James Riley (17no) offered token resistance but a ten-man 'Trees were all out for 152.

Picture - EYES DOWN: A York Senior League batsmen shows textbook technique in yesterday's clash at Osbaldwick