THE weather put paid to 14 of the scheduled games in the HPH York Vale Cricket League, with only the Sunday games surviving the downpours.

Division one title contenders Clifton Alliance (198-6) were pushed all the way by visitors Burn (194-8) in a closely-fought game.

The home side secured their ninth win of the season in the final over to recapture the top of the table spot.

After recovering from the loss of an early wicket, the Burn middle order looked set to record a challenging total with telling contributions from Harry Cruise (35), Ed Clark (57) and Scott Hunt (33).

However, tight bowling supported by the good ground fielding of the home side curtailed the visitor’s acceleration.

Matthew Simms (3-53) and Lewis Clark (3-56) were the pick of the bowlers for Clifton.

Despite taking early wickets, Burn were unable to capture the key wicket of Matthew Phillips (81no) who, with support from Richard Marshall (31) and Josh Clark (26), guided his side to another vital win with just three balls to spare.

That left Burn to rue dropped catches, a missed run out and 23 extras.

Division two leaders Stamford Bridge (141-4) eased to a six-wicket win against an under-strength Wheldrake (139).

After being put-in on a drying track, Wheldrake reached 82-1 and looked set for a big score.

The run out of Hugo Southern (20) and three wickets in five balls from veteran Des Healey (4-27) saw the capitulation of the visitors' innings, despite the efforts of opener Anthony Carter (83), who was last man out in the final over of the innings.

The loss of an early wicket through a stunning slip catch by Wheldrake skipper Nick Myers was a minor blip for Stamford Bridge, who romped to victory through Adam Harrison (56no) supported by David Langston (27) and Dan Mosley (22no off eight balls) with 15 overs to spare, opening up an 89-point lead at the top of the table.

The Press player of the week was Alliance's Phillips for his match-winning innings.

Sunday is the date for the much-awaited HPH Cup final clash between top-of-the-table division one rivals Clifton Alliance and Thixendale.

As last year’s winners, Clifton will be looking to retain the trophy against a resurgent Thixendale, who will be playing in their first ever HPH Cup final after having just secured the Foss Evening League division two championship.

For a club who five years ago were on the brink of folding their success represents a remarkable transformation.

The final is being held at Clifton Alliance, starting at 1.30pm.