The York Senior League programme ended on a glorious late summer’s day and produced some superb cricket which saw a crop of personal best performances as well as some tight finishes that finally resolved the remaining promotion and relegation issues.

Premier Division

Acomb stalwart Dave Sykes signed off with a flourish when he hit the final ball of the season for a four as his side played out a draw with Stamford Bridge. Earlier Sykes, who had earlier announced his retirement after more than 20 years as one of the league’s top bowlers, had taken 2-51 and, with 43 victims in the season he can look back on a career that has seen him take more wickets in the Premier Division than any other bowler with his 528 being 11 wickets more than Thirsk’s Barry Petty.

Two Stamford batsmen made major scores as they compiled a total of 278-5. Dave Chaplin topped the poll with 74 whilst Phil Hill hit an unbeaten 71 and Andy Milner chipped in with 30. Chaplin then completed a splendid all-round performance by taking 5-57 and had support from Mark Fairweather with 3-57. Nevertheless Acomb were able to engineer a respectable draw due to Joey Burton 54, Paul Hemmingway 41 and skipper Andy Tute who made 36 before the game ended in a fitting manner with Dave and Richard Sykes at the wicket and the former striking the last ball to the boundary as Acomb closed on 187-8.

Goole Town’s Kevin Murphy recorded the best bowling figures of the season in the Premier Division when his 20 over spell at Beverley saw him take 8 wickets for 96 runs. Despite his fine effort, Beverley were able to make 224 and set up a crucial victory which ensured their continuation as a premier division side. Five batsmen contributed to the home total with Andy Burton’s 66 being the best effort. Others to succeed with the bat were Ollie Grantham with 31, Tony Spence 28, John Vodden with 26 and Alan Acklam who made 30. In contrast, no Goole batsman made an appreciable score as Simon Roe’s destructive 6-37 in 19 overs  had them all out for 107.

Pickering’s hopes of gaining a win at Dunnington which was an essential requirement in any relegation strategy were denied by the home side's last pairing of Gerard Camplejohn and Simon Richardson who survived for 10 overs to earn a draw. The bulk of Pickerings 209-7 came from a familiar source with Colin Frank making 71 and Chris Nicholls 54 whilst Mark Aconley added 29 as Rob Chipps 3-56 and Simon Dwyer 3-52 each bagged a trio of victims. Having been cruelly denied a century earlier in the season when he was left one short of the magical three figure score, Collis King seemed on course to record a century for the 14^th successive season but, sadly, failed to extend his unique record when he was dismissed for 66. Former Dunnington player and Pickering captain Dave Greenlay then took command and his 6-46 seemed to have earned his side a coveted victory before the home side’s final pair showed their defiance.

There was a remarkable game at Easingwold where two founder member sides locked horns in a game that brought the season to a fantastic climax and underlined the value of the draw system. Stephen Piercy made 39 at the head of Easingwold’s innings but the powerhouse batting came from Paul Skilbeck 75 and Tom Piercy who made an unbeaten 71 as the pair added 113 for the fifth wicket. Dave Johnson took 4-53 for Sessay but the hosts were still able to post a total of 234-8. Sessay then proceeded serenely towards their target as a 3^rd wicket stand of 144 between Mark Wilkie 66 and Dave Johnson 98 took them to 205-3 and, with a mere 29 required off 8 overs victory seemed assured. But a fine catch by Jonathon Marwood ended Johnson’s innings just two short of a century and triggered a remarkable collapse in which Easingwold skipper Dan Copeland took two wickets in the 44^th over and a further two in the 48^th over in the process of claiming 6-27. Sessay thus found themselves requiring 4 runs off the final over and then an unlikely three off the final ball. With only one run scored off the final delivery, Sessay’s innings closed on 233-9 leaving them ruing a missed opportunity which left them with the worst of a draw.

Having already retained their title a week earlier, Woodhouse Grange were presented with the Champions Trophy for the eleventh time when skipper Steve Burdett was handed the cup by League President George Myerscough prior to the start of his side’s home game against third placed Clifton Alliance.  There was a mood of celebration in the air as Woodhouse took first innings on a ground which looked in fine fettle in the bright September sunshine. Nick Hadfield made 38 as the hosts lost four wickets before reaching three figures but Burdett then rounded off his successful campaign by hitting a brilliant century. In sharing a 5^th wicket stand of 110 with Joel Hughes, 40, Burdett hit ten fours and five sixes as he progressed to a career best 113not out off a mere 93 balls. Facing a total of 262-6, Clifton Alliance capitulated to 138 all out with no batsman making any significant contribution. Grange’s bowling duo of Tom Quinn 5-36 and Dave Suddaby 3-46 were given excellent support by teenage wicket keeper Chris Bilton who pouched five catches. The remaining two wickets fell to Joel Hughes to lift his seasonal tally to 51 and leave him as the Premier Division’s leading wicket taker.

Batting first at Thirsk, Hornsea moved to to 93-2 with Adam Dilley making 28 and Paul Clappison 26. They then suffered an astonishing collapse which saw them lose eight wickets for a mere 12 runs as teenager Ryan McKendry claimed a career best 7 for 12. Mark Cook also played a part in the mayhem by taking 3 for 5. Thirsk then strolled to a ten wicket victory which lifted them into sixth place as Liam McKendry took control with an unbeaten 61 and veteran Des Wyrill lent support with 21no.

Division One

With the First Division title and promotion places both already decided the two successful clubs, Studley Royal and Fenner both closed with drawn games. Divisional champions Studley Royal seemed all set to lose their unbeaten record when they collapsed to 68-6 at Bridlington who had posted a total of 169-7. That Studley’ proud record remained intact owed everything to Matt Pickles whose 36no allied to Ben Crewe’s unbeaten 32 ensured that no further wickets fell and enabled the Ripon based side to draw at 133-6. Earlier Barry Rudd with 37no and Sam Edmondson 33 had helped Bridlington post a defendable score despite Matt Coad’s 3-40. Steve Walmsley then made 32 at the top of Studley’s innings but Steve Winterbottom with 3-46, posed a serious threat until the Royals enjoyed their fine unbroken 7^th wicket stand.

After travelling up the East Coast, Fenner made a useful 253-7 at Folkton & Flixton. Their batting star was Peter Shalley who hit 111. He had great support from John Maddock with an unbeaten 42 and Ian Pratt who made 39. Flixton’s Damon Gormley bowled unchanged to claim 4-116 with Nick Zakrzweski claiming 3-67. Folkton never seemed likely to match their opponents prowess with the willow despite runs from Rob Lacey 48 and Neil Elvidge who made 40. Steve Sergeant rounded off his fine season by taking 4-58 but John Sowden, in one of his rare first team appearances, made a resolute 31 no which enable Folkton to draw at 189-7.

Heworth’s Richard Walton was a real hero in his side's exciting four wicket victory over Hull Zingari when he not only scored his maiden century but, with three runs required, he struck the final delivery over point for a six to end the season in sensational fashion. There had been earlier half centuries for Andy Hamson with 52 and Alistair Markham 62 whilst teenager Jack Storey made 26 and Matt Bunn 41 as Zingari posted a most respectable 222-6. Heworth captain Guy Wilkinson had the best bowling return of 3-62. Matt Wilkinson then took 4-57 for Hull but Walton, who eventually closed with an unbeaten 132 reigned supreme in the second half of the game as Heworth  lifted themselves into sixth place in the Division.

Malton & Old Malton suffered relegation for the second successive season when they were well beaten by a Ripon side who themselves were under threat prior to the start of their key relegation encounter. Malton’s Steve Beal made a resolute 38 in an epic 115 ball innings and Gary Hall made 29. Richard Hooks had taken 5-22 when the Malton captain made a tactical declaration when the 7 wicket fell at 135 in the 46^th over. By declaring, he prevented Ripon gaining a fourth batting point which would have ensured safety and doomed Malton to the drop. Unfortunately for the visitors they were unable to make any appreciable inroads into the home batting lineup as Paul Reynolds with 30 and captain Gary Blackburn with an unbeaten 51, ensured safety by gaining an 8 wicket win in just 27 overs.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge clinched fourth place in the division when they rounded off their season with a 64 run victory over Driffield II. Like many other cricket fields, the Moor Farm ground looked most attractive in the ideal cricket conditions but is to undergo a total relaying of the outfield during the next week. The Scaling Brothers were the two successful batsmen for the Bridge with Paul hitting 47 and Nick 46 in a total of 168 all out. Chris Smith took 4-34 for Driffield who, with 51 overs available, moved nicely to 51-1 with Chris Chapman making 26. Former Driffield pace bowler Jamie Hopper then took 4-36 as he combined with spinner Simon Naylor, who captured 5-33, to send the visitors tumbling to 104 all out with only Adrian Long 28 of the later batsmen standing in their way.

With a serious player availability problem, Pocklington had to call on a number of third team players in order to fulfil their fixture at York.  Neil Jackson made 26 but Alistair Raper’s 3-18 helped dismiss the visitors for 116. Pocklington gained some satisfaction by capturing two early York wickets but were then put to the sword by James Wackett who hit an unbeaten 53 off 38 balls and Jake Murphy who plundered 28no off a mere 18 balls as York raced to an 8 wicket victory in only 14 overs to lift them into a seasonal highest position of seventh place.

Division Two

Londesbrough Park added the Second Division title to the Third Division honours that they gained 12 months ago when they swept to a 6 wicket victory over New Earswick which put them 35 points ahead of the divisional runners-up. Londesbrough’s Park Farm ground was resplendent for a game that was a personal triumph for their bowling stalwart Richard Foster, who, by taking 4-33, reached a landmark 500 wickets in the York Senior League. Foster’s efforts, together with those of Mike Davies 3-14 had Earswick all out for 113 with keeper Neil Smallwood top scoring with 33. In Park’s response, Sam Medley made 26 whilst Neil Stephenson made an undefeated 31 as Ian Helmsley returned 3-50.

Dringhouse's long serving Mick Kenyon lifted his wicket total for the season into the mid seventies when his 4-29 enabled his side to win by 19 runs in a high scoring game at Carlton Towers. Kenyon’s son, Andy made 38, Alex Dale 50 and Sam Lingard 44 in a total of 221-9 in which Mark Holmes claimed 6-69. Jonathon Dilks then hit 82 in Carlton’s reply and Graham Spence 32 but Rob Thrall backed up Kenyon’s spin by taking 4-37 as Carlton were dismissed for 202 to leave them only 8 points better off than their opponents, who remain in the bottom two but will not suffer relegation due to the pre-season withdrawal of Crayke.

The sole relegation slot in the division is occupied by Scarborough who suffered a home defeat at the hands of Beverley Town II who missed out on promotion by just 2 points and, as in the previous year, find themselves in third place. Will Gibson’s unbeaten 61 which built on 34 from Ash Kundhi enabled Scarborough to register a total of 179-9. There were three wickets each for Ian Sugden 3-52 and Dave Fishwick who had an economical 3-10. Beverley’s 4-wicket triumph was based on solid knocks from Tim Smith with 48 and Paul Best who made 57 as Charlie Gibson turned in a 3-21 return.

Clifton Alliance II required five points to ensure promotion when they entertained Whitkirk. This seemed to be a simple task as John Thornton (4-74) took four early wickets to reduce the visitors to 76-5. Whitkirk’s innings then enjoyed a transformation as Richard Simpson proceeded to compile an unbeaten 107 and, with Sam Parker making 28no, Clifton found themselves facing a total of 211-7. Having gained 3 bowling points, Clifton were assured of second place once they reached 127-3 thanks to Mark Taylor with 39 and Paul Walton 30. Promotional euphoria then appeared to set in as the innings then slipped into freefall whch saw the Alliance slip to 159 all out with Mark Murphy taking 3-35 for the victorious guests.

A truly remarkable ninth wicket stand, which may well be the best in the league’s history, saw Tadcaster Magnet recover from 70 for 8 to defeat Sewerby by 2 wickets. Batsmen were in charge when Sewerby batted first with Ben Dobson making 40, Richard Robinson 46, Russ Robinson 32 and Luke Jennison 28 in an eventual score of 200-9. Bruce Wetherall took 4-88 but then saw his side’s early and middle order struggle to impress as Alex Rennoldson took 3-29. Magnet skipper Paul Clark then joined Phil Smith in a superb fightback which took the Tadcaster side to a winning 204-8 as Clark made 74no and Smith 59no in an unbroken stand of 132.

Division Three

Selby’s Steve Precious took  his wicket count for the season to 53 when his 5 for 19 against Duncombe Park put his side on course for a victory that lifted the Third Division title. With Chris Dye taking 3-22 Park, for whom Phil Marwood made 38, were bowled out for only 104. Selby then clinched the title in flamboyant style as Lee Wild with 56no and Mike Smailes 35 saw them to their target in just 16 overs for the loss of three wickets.

Rowntrees failed in their attempt to notch their first win of the season when they fell to a 4-wicket defeat at Hovingham. Richard Tuite, in what was almost certainly his final game as skipper, made 28, as did Tony Thomson, but good bowling from Will Lund with 4-27 and Steve Mosey 3-39, had the Haxby Road side all out for 149. Paul Horner made inroads in the home innings with 3-23 but solid efforts from Paul Deverall 57 and Stuart Prest 49 ensured victory for the hosts who end the season in fifth place.

The two teams destined to be relegated along with Rowntrees ended their season in vastly different manner although both suffered defeats. It was a sad seasonal curtain call for Easingwold who were unable to raise a side to travel to Hull & YPI and thus conceded the game. On the other hand, Pickering II put up s strong performance in by far the day’s highest scoring game which saw them suffer defeat by a mere 2 runs after almost inflicting an embarrassing defeat on an already promoted Harrogate side.  In a game played at Harome due to football commitment at Pickering, Harrogate’s batsmen embarked on a run fiesta with Rob Ross hitting 83 and Rupert Scales 59 before unbeaten contributions from Chris Gill 50no and Mike Ingham 30no enabled their side to declare after hitting 263-3 in 36 overs. Pickering’s batsmen then picked up the gauntlet in determined fashion with Ed Rounthwaite leading the way impressively with 125. James Greenlay added 37 as a shock win seemed to be on the cards. However in the end Pickering fell agonisingly short as Harrogate’s blushes were spared when the home side were dismissed for 261 with Alex Faulkner 4-43 and Chris Gill 3-60 tipping the scales.

Thorp Arch and Boston Spa settled into fourth place in the division after inflicting a 120 run defeat on a Bubwith side who must be very relieved that only three teams are to be relegated rather than the originally planned four. Two Boston batsmen, Chris Magee 54 and Ben Bartlett 57no, hit half centuries whilst three others in their line-up, Andy Hawkswell 26, Andy Griffith 44 and Richard Lindsey 35, also made valuable runs. Gary Wilson performed well with the ball for the visitors in taking 6 for 48 but the Arch’s total of 263-8 still represented a formidable target. This quickly turned into a mission impossible as Ben Preston grabbed 5-31 and only Richard Readman with 42, provided an obstacle as Bubwith were routed for 143.

Steve Jones tenure as skipper of York III ended in disappointment when his side suffered a 22 run home defeat at the hands of third placed Bolton Percy. There were Bolton runs from Matt Westwood 50, Joe White 42, Mike Furze 26 and Peter Atkinson 26no as their side reached 188-7 as York employed nine bowlers. A trio of York youngsters then provided the bulk of their runs with Ben Horseman making 38, Matthew Wilks 27 and 16 years old Simon Lambert 28no. However the youngster ran out of partners as the Bolton bowlers shared the wickets in an all out total of 166.

Division Four A

In Division 4A Driffield III’s worst fears  materialised when, having completed their programme a week earlier, the East Yorkshire side saw Stillington steal the second promotion slot by winning by 6 wickets at Hornsea. For the visitors Shaun Speck had a fine game when, firstly his 5-32 shot the hosts down for 131 and then he was at the wicket with an unbeaten 25 when Stillington reached their target. For the home side Ian Wilson made 30 and Ben Kohler-Cadmore took 4-40. But Speck’s allies were Barry Milburn who made 32 and his co-not-out partner Tim Jarvis who also made 25.

With the divisional trophy safely in their grasp, Welton & Brough travelled to Malton & Old Malton where they suffered a surprise 5 wicket defeat as the home side dispelled any slight chance of relegation. Roy Duerden made 26 for Welton but Simon Cass’s 5-31 pegged them to 168-9. Neil Thompson responded with 3-34 but James Baxter player an invaluable innings which saw him move to 77no as he and Adam Morley 36 steered Malton to victory at 170-5.

After floundering at the foot of the division for the last few weeks, Castleford II performed an escape act of Houdini like proportions when their 4 wicket victory over Civil Service not only sent their opponents into bottom place but also lifted the Airemen above Cawood. Darren Hanley 32, James Chisholm 28, Graham Sherlock 39 and John Griffin 25 made runs for Civil Service, who, by reaching 184-9, appeared to have given themselves a reasonable chance of avoiding relegation. Ryan Turner took 4-44 for Castleford who then proceeded to mount a life-saving run chase. Leading the way was Simon Parker with 62 whilst Danny Wells with 37 and Glen Shelley 29 played their part in a winning total of 186-6.

There was gloom further down the river where Cawood were skittled out for only 65 by fellow Ouse-siders Selby. The wreckers were Steve Clark with 4 for 9 and Dave Brunyard who took 5 for 30. Cawood skipper Los White sent shivers through the Selby ranks with 4-26, but his side’s total was clearly indefensible and, by losing by 5 wickets, Cawood’s senior XI will now join the club’s second string in the league’s basement level.

Two players, one from each side, dominated the game at Hull Zingari where the home side beat Heworth by 51 runs. Hull’s Mike Stelling emerged as the stronger force when, in his return to the club after a lengthy period abroad, he made 59 and then captured 4-31. These figures had the edge on those of Heworth’s Tom Forsdyke who followed his 4-46 with an innings of 43. In support of Stellings, John Hyde made 33no in the Hull total of 191-9. Forsdyke’s batting comrade was Paul Flint who contributed 33 to his side’s 140 all out.

Division Four B

Osbaldwick’s Matthew Hattee was another player who chose to record a career best on the last day of the season. He hit a fine 142 as he shared in an opening stand of 190 with Jake Cartledge who made 55 when their side batted first against Dunnington. With Chris Hammerton hitting 41no and Steve Horner making 39, Osbaldwick were able to post the day’s highest total of 296-3. In Dunnington’s reply of 159-7, Nick Lister made 41 and Dave Wilson 34.

Only skimpy information has been received in respect of the game between second placed Sessay and Huby which ended in a tie. Joe Watson made 72no and Giles Cressey 52 in Sessay’s 207-3 whilst an unbeaten 71 from Mike Mierzwinski enabled Huby to respond with 207-6. Willie Atkinson took 3-48 for the home team.

Sheriff Hutton’s leading bowler Simon Thornton made his farewell appearance when his side entertained Acomb as he is set to emigrate to Australia. His side were presented with the divisional champions trophy during the tea interval but this was to be the most satisfying event for the departee who then saw his side suffer a one wicket defeat. Skipper Ed Taylor top scored with 31 in Sheriff’s 179 all out and then stepped out of his more familiar role as wicket keeper to take 3 for 12. For Acomb Andy Sykes took 3-38 but their star was Matt Williams who hit 63  as he and Joe Dale 32, steered their side to the narrowest of victories.

Two sides safely ensconced in mid table met at Stamford Bridge where an unbeaten 59 by Tom Young took Woodhouse Grange to a 5 wicket triumph. Ollie Pimlott made 34 and Ian Fraser 45 for Stamford but Ryan Pepper’s 3-32 kept them down to a below par 138-8. Des Healey claimed 3-30 when Grange replied but was unable to ward off defeat.

Two teams without a win between them and already scheduled to be relegated met at Stillington where the home side finally gained a victory when they overwhelmed Thorp Arch & Boston Spa to the tune of 126 runs. Stillington skipper Ian Shepherd no doubt had a most satisfying finale to the season when, in addition to emerging as a winning captain he made the game’s top score of 70. With Chris Brown adding 48, Stillington totalled 197-6 despite the 3-29 captured by Steve Raine. There then followed yet another career best performance when Mike Duggleby’s 7 for 15 sent the Spa side tumbling to 71 all out.

Following a number of complaints, the League Committee have deducted 30 points from Pocklington 2^nd XI due to the club having, on a number of occasions, fielded fewer than 11 players in their first team whilst putting out a full second eleven. The League Committee considered this to be a clear case of second team strengthening and consequently issued a penalty which demotes Pocklington II from a promotion position. The club does have a right of appeal which must be judged within the next two weeks as fixtures for the 2010 season are due to be published by the end of September.