CHAMPIONS York Cricket Club are 11 points clear heading into the final eight games of the Solly Sports Yorkshire ECB County Premier League.

The Clifton Parkers, chasing an unprecedented fifth crown, maintained their lead over Rotherham Town with a 90-run incomplete win at Harrogate on Sunday.

A magnificent century from Liam McKendry ensured York picked up from where they left off against Appleby Frodingham on Saturday to pass 300 for the second time.

McKendry racked up 141 off 94 balls – including 13 fours and four sixes – in York’s 322-9 and Harrogate then closed on 232-7 in reply, giving the visitors six points.

Oliver Hairs hit 55 from 32 balls, his second half-century of the weekend. His knock included eight fours and a six.

Nick Kay’s 43 kept the visitors on top before falling to ’Gate spinner Nick Taylor, who took 5-72.

In reply, openers Nick Lindley (14) and Alexis Twigg (38) shared a stand of 41 before the former was the victim of a sharp stumping by Nigel Durham standing up to the medium pace of Nick Kay.

Dan Woods worked tirelessly to restrict the home side’s scoring, bowling 25 overs of spin for a return of 4-90.

Ryan McKendry backed him up with 2-56, which included the vital scalp of Vic Craven (47), who threatened to ignite the innings but was unable to find any support.

However, Ross Sedgley’s outstanding unbeaten innings of 86, including 15 boundaries, ensured Harrogate passed the 226 runs required for a bonus point.

York are in action twice again next weekend. They host Sheffield United on Saturday and then welcome Castleford to Clifton Park on Sunday. Both matches are scheduled to start at noon.