A SUPERB innings of 84 by Rowntree 'B' team opener Mike Shirley came within a whisker of clinching a sensational win over first division side Wilberfoss in the first round of the Costcutter York Senior Cricket Indoor Knockout competition.

Shirley's massive score was the second highest individual innings in the 13-year history of the competition and included four sixes and 12 threes.

Second division runners-up Rowntree had given a below par bowling and fielding performance as the Wilberfoss batsmen cashed in on a number of dropped catches to make 134-2, with Kev Davison hitting 40no and Mike Stothard making an unbeaten 31.

Rowntree's batting then continued in the same unimpressive vein as they lost five wickets for a mere 49 runs in five overs, leaving opener Shirley standing alone with last man Paul Harrison as his non-striking runner.

Shirley then produced his astonishing innings, alternating between hitting back wall sixes and some fine threes. His efforts meant that he needed to score nine off the final over to win.

A single came from the first but disaster struck when Harrison was narrowly run out off the second ball attempting a three and Wilberfoss won the game by six runs.

In the two remaining league games, champions Acomb ended Dunnington's hopes of gaining the runners-up award when they had a 31-run win in a low scoring game.

Scott Nicholls was the only batsman in either side to reach the 25 retiring mark as Acomb made 91-2, but Dunnington's batmen were kept in tight rein and were only able to make 61 all out.

In contrast, the game between the two bottom sides was a high scoring affair which saw two batsmen score half centuries. Selby beat Sheriff Hutton Bridge by 60 runs to ensure that both sides are relegated, with Wilberfoss just surviving due to a better run rate.

Doug Rollinson top scored for Selby with 54no, while 37 from Ian Lake and 25 apiece from Richard Laycock and Kevin Lamb enabled the bottom club to reach a formidable 173-3.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge set off at a cracking pace, hitting 70 off the first five overs, but wickets fell regularly in the run chase and they were all out for 113 with three overs to spare, despite a powerful 57 from Mike Smith.

The two other first round cup games saw wins for Dunnington, over fellow first division side Sheriff Hutton Bridge, and Thirsk, in an all second division clash with Hovingham.

Mike Smith was again Bridge's most successful batsman as he was unbeaten on 33 in his side's 93-5, Dave Simpson taking two for 18.

Dunnington then raced to victory with half the overs to spare and without losing a wicket, Neil Wilson making 25no and Paul Miles 29no.

Hovingham were restricted to 90-4 against Thirsk, despite a rapid 25no from Tom Marwood.

Thirsk were then steered to a two wicket win by the experienced Des Wyrill, who made 43no, and Mal Hartley, who supported with 28no.

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