CHAMPIONS York Cricket Club returned to the top of the Solly Sports Yorkshire ECB County Premier League with an emphatic 165-run victory over title rivals Cleethorpes.

The home side totalled 233 after skipper Marcus Wood won the toss and chose to bat first at Clifton Park, and they then skittled the visitors for 68 to capitalise on a defeat for previous leaders Rotherham Town.

The loss of an early wicket brought Oliver Hairs (43) to the crease, and he and Duncan Snell (37) set about some wayward bowling, putting on 73 runs in only 71 balls.

With the score on 81, Hairs hoisted a ball from Alex Osmond (4-55) into the leg side and was caught on the boundary by Eddie Carlton.

Snell became the visiting spinner’s second wicket when he was bowled two overs later and the score stood at 94-3.

Alex Collins (48) and Nick Kay (50), mindful of the need to consolidate, batted with watchfulness and determination.

Solid defence, punishment of the occasional loose delivery and good placement saw the pair add 88 through the middle overs of the innings.

The partnership was finally broken when, attempting a quick single, Collins failed to beat Bill Kirby’s accurate throw.

Following the run out at 182 in the 40th over, the home side lost their way as the visitors finally built some pressure.

Three wickets fell in quick succession, but Tom Pringle (18) ensured York got beyond 200.

The Cleethorpes batsmen were unable to take advantage of any momentum gained in the field.

The decision to give spinner Dan Woods (4-35) the new ball was justified when, in only his second over, he had opener Rory Osmond caught behind and in his next bowled Carlton to leave them 10-2.

League debutant Ryan McKendry’s one-handed pick up and diving throw proved too good for Callum Robinson, the youngster’s direct hit leaving the batsman short of his ground.

Leg-spinner Tom Pringle was introduced into the attack and struck with his third delivery.

Woods then trapped Kirby lbw, before Pringle watched skipper Charlie Tomlinson loft a straight forward catch into the hands of Collins to leave the visitors in deep trouble at 33-6.

Another wicket each for the spin duo took the visitors to the brink before James Windeatt (11no) and Jack Harrison (11), the only batsmen to reach double figures, edged the total past 50.

Victory then came early as Pringle dismissed Harrison and last man Andy Ellis was unable to bat.

Yesterday, York won the inaugural Solly Sports Yorkshire ECB Twenty20 Trophy, defeating Hull in a one-sided final in Scarborough.

York piled up a mammoth 253-4 in 20 overs and restricted their opponents to 104-8.

• Don’t miss The Press tomorrow for a full report on Twenty20 finals day.