A close encounter took place at Stamford Bridge between the two Hunters York & District Senior Cricket League’s leading premier division teams.

Batting first, the home side posted 191-7, thanks to a century by Dave Chaplin (102) and stout support from Matt Beckett (34).

Tight bowling from York’s duo of Andy Simpson (3-80) and Ryan McKendry (3-54), kept the visitors in contention.

An edgy second innings ensued as only Simon Lambert with 53 managed to establish himself. But the batsmen were not allowed to settle, thanks to another splendid performance by all-rounder Chaplin, whose 6-72 restricted York to 187–9, giving Stamford Bridge the best of the draw and taking them to the top at York’s expense.

Woodhouse Grange posted another strong performance against Studley Royal.

Two sets of brothers – Andrew and Chris Bilton and Mike and Steve Burdett – led the Woodhouse run-charge to 254-5.

Studley Royal set-off strongly, led by Matt Pickles (65) and Gary Blackburn (63). But they eventually fell 40 runs short at 214-7 to gain a valuable draw.

Dunnington hosted close rivals Clifton Alliance who batted first and were bowled out for 197. Batting honours went to J Capper (55) and the best of the bowling was A Iyer’s 5-47.

In response, Dunnington struggled to compete, thanks to tight bowling from J Hughes (4-38) and A Renton (3-30). Only Paul Miles’s 40 runs made any significant contribution, as they reached 150-7 in their allotted overs.

Fenner came away with the plaudits in their bottom of the table clash with Heworth.

In a rain-affected game, Heworth were bowled out for 107, Fenner’s Luke Laybourne (6-56) and Luke Robinson (4-34) bowling right through.

Fenner took no time to knock off the total, reaching 111-3 in the 17th over. They were 48 after only 19 balls, with Paul Scrowston hitting three sixes and three fours in his unbeaten 42 for their first victory.

In another rain-affected match at Easingwold the hosts made 209-4, led by Steve Piercy’s 65.

Beverley struggled in reply until Johnny Fisher and Anthony Spencer came together for the fourth wicket and put on 104 enabling them to force a draw.