THERE was a sensational opening to the HPH York Vale Cricket League as first division champions Bishopthorpe were humbled by newly promoted Fulfordgate.

A third-wicket partnership of 94 between Keith Pepper (55) and Tim Wheeler, who hit a maiden 50, took Fulfordgate to 173-6 despite 4-56 from 20 overs by Ian Holmes. The Bishops were then shot out for just 66 with James Reeve taking 4-25 and Alan Baldock 3-29.

Martin Trevaskiss (54no) anchored Burn's innings of 131-7 against the Heworth attack led by Richard Clarke (5-31). Fraser Fillingham's devastating opening spell of 5-7 decimated Heworth's reply which closed 41 runs short.

Andy Welford's 55 was in vain for Westow as Drax openers Luke Edwards and Steve Smith both reached 45 in their side's eight-wicket win.

North Duffield's solid all-round performance was rewarded by beating Askham Bryan/YPO by seven wickets.

Wheldrake's Les Fearn and Carl Vankniekirk dismissed British Sugar for 112 and raced to an eight-wicket win thanks to Rob Daniel (43) and Anthony Carter (47no).

Thorpe Willoughby gained maximum points in their division three defeat of Hirst United. Garry Turner (70no) and a breezy 40 from Dave Watson took Thorpe to 194-6. Watson (3-8) soon had Hirst on the ropes and his side eased home by 121 runs.

Newly elected Barmby Moor won their first Vale League game after reaching 184-9 against Acomb with A Winn top scoring with 43. Richard Crabtree hit 74 for Acomb, who finished short at 154-9.

Bishopthorpe II were well beaten by University Staff after Richard Waites took out the middle of the Bishops' innings. Staff's Keith Winstanley notched a half century and shared a second-wicket partnership of 86 with Jim Watt (38) to see their side to victory.

Drax ran out easy winners at Malton & Old Malton. They made 151-9 with Brian Moss (44) top scoring.

In division four, Selby raced to 196-4 at Woodhouse Grange. Neil Wilson (66) and Richard Wain (55) added 119 for the second wicket. Richard Firth completed the run spree with a belligerent 55. Grange crawled to a meagre 81-7 in reply.

Perwez Akhtar carried his bat for 68 as Ovington struggled to 116 at Sherriff Hutton, who showed little mercy with Chris Harrison (71no) taking them to a nine-wicket win.

Melbourne's 152 was out of reach of a lethargic Heworth, who could not get the ball off the square and lost by 65 runs. Malcolm Harrison kept a tight grip on Heworth's response with 3-9 from 14 overs.

Thorpe Willoughby II emulated their first team by taking maximum points at neighbouring Burn in division five.

Skipper Pete Masterman led Thorpe to 198-7 with 61 and was supported by John Holmes (55) and Richie Bowker (30no). Ian Armstrong kept Burn in the game with a patient 56 but Granville North and Bowker tied up the other end, Thorpe winning by 73 runs.

Newcomers Carlton Towers reached a respectable 150-7 against Huntington whose youngsters responded well. Dave Latimer (59) and 26 from 15-year-old Ben Long set up Huntington's four-wicket win with two overs to spare.

A half century from Dave Brown on his debut for Stockton & Hopgrove was the highlight of their 139-8 against Tadcaster Magnets. Taddy ran them close with 38 from another debutant, Richard Laver, and 40 from Andy Dowdell but they fell five runs short.

Updated: 10:34 Thursday, May 04, 2006