Clifton Alliance’s John Thornton cracked 42 off a mere 20 deliveries to help his side to victory over Bridlington in division one of the Hunters York & District Senior Cricket League.

Thornton’s explosive knock boosted Alliance’s score to 240-9.

The foundation for a substantial total was laid by Mark Taylor, with 69, and Andy Parkinson, who made 31 not out.

For Bridlington, Will Hall took 3-75 and Casey Rudd claimed 4-69.

The latter then made 28 in an opening stand of 47 with Simon Garton (26), but then saw his side collapse dramatically to 99 all out.

Reece Crowe (4-30) and Sam Mottershead (5-26) starred to bowl the Clifton side to their first win of the season.

Leaders Hull Zingari trumped fourth-placed Sheriff Hutton Bridge by six wickets.

Bridge were given a solid start by openers Ian Clish (64) and Paul Oldfield (41), but the innings withered as Roger Burnham (4-61) and Anthony Knowles (3-35) had them all out for 197.

Hull’s successful response was led by teenager Jack Storey, who hit 72, and Andy Hamson, who made 65, as they reached a winning 201-4.

Heworth maintained the pressure on the leaders when they had a good victory over Driffield, winning by five wickets after chasing down a total of 200-6.

There was a round half-century by Kev Woodcock and other runs from Mick Drury (31) and Carl Busfield (34) for Driffield as home bowler Tom Forsdyke claimed 3-59.

Jack Leaning then made 36 as the hosts lost five wickets, but the away bowlers were thwarted as Chris Mead (68no) and Rich Walton (35no) steered the Elm Park Way side to their fourth outright win.

A century by Mark Shepherd, who made 107, enabled Pickering to beat York in a match that produced 508 runs for the loss of 14 wickets.

York totalled 252-9 thanks to big innings from Steve Lambert (85) and skipper Dave Simpson (78), plus 42 from Brendon Ledgeway.

For the hosts, Dave Greenlay took 4-78 and Shepherd 3-56. Shepherd then led the batting reply and was ably supported by Chris Nicholls (57) and Mark Aconley (26no).

Junior spinner Andrew Simpson took 4-46 for York.

Division two leaders Osbaldwick took first innings when they entertained Dringhouses and were bowled out for 147.

Two home batsmen showed a touch of form, with Matt Dunne making 34 and Nigel Rippon 25, but Mick Kenyon was yet again to the fore in taking 4-42.

Dringhouses lost two early wickets, but Sam Lingard cracked 87 not out and Danny Snaith made 41 not out to see their side log their fourth win in five outings.

The second-placed team suffered a similar fate to the leaders when Malton & Old Malton inflicted a six-wicket defeat on Beverley Town II.

There were runs for Graham Taylor (43) and James Emery (33), but a 14-over spell by Mike Linsley (4-29) chopped Beverley’s innings off at 138. Linsley’s brother, Steve, then made 74.

Steve Beal supported with 31, while Nick Robinson (4-31) claimed all four home wickets to fall.

Selby’s Steve Precious took 4-48 as New Earswick made 166-8 thanks to Andy Freeman (30) and Chris Smith (25).

With Matt Hoyle making 45 and Dan Murphy hitting 31, Selby were able to reach a winning 172-7, despite the efforts of Martin Hewitson (4-77) and Paul Stimpson (3-43).