York and District Senior League Division One: Carlton Towers 152 all out Duncombe Park 120 for 8

WITH fourth-placed Park just three points behind Carlton Towers before the game, this was an ideal chance for them to make real headway in the promotion race.

And at the halfway stage, this seemed a real possibility after Towers were bowled out for 152. Peter Richardson was the most successful Park bowler, having a hand in the dismissal of the first five Carlton batsmen, including a deflected run-out of the unlucky Longley.

Justin Lewis, in his second spell, claimed three victims and three run-outs. Overseas player Siddique and wicket-keeper Hanson were the joint top-scorers for the visitors, with 25.

Park's reply was disappointing. Of the first eight batsmen, only in-form captain Paul Wilkie (39) reached double figures. With 12 overs remaining, it was left to late third team recruits Peter Silk (18 not out) and Chris Obank (six not out) to safely negotiate a draw for Park. However, with Park picking up 11 points and Carlton 19 points, they have lost crucial ground in the promotion race.

Midgley Cup Final

(at Stillington)

Duncombe Park 66 all out Easingwold 48 all out

Park retained the cup for the third successive year in a remarkable match. With the wet wicket obviously going to favour the bowlers, Park captain Colin Humpleby reluctantly chose to bat first due to the late arrival of three players, held up in traffic. What a decision this proved to be.

From the outset, batting was extremely difficult in the face of a helpful pitch and some superb bowling. Both openers Wilkie and Leckenby went for nought, with Skilbeck and Rees causing all sorts of trouble. Only Peter Kent, with 30, and Colin Humpleby (13) reached double figures. Paul Redshaw wrapped up the tail with 5 for 10.

The odds were stacked against Park but they were not going to go down without a fight. It was that man again, Peter Richardson, who was to make early inroads into the Easingwold card. He took a wicket in five of his first six overs. Wilkie also took two wickets in his first four overs. With a fantastic run-out by William Smith, Easingwold had been reduced to 21 for 8 from 11 overs.

However, number three Danny Copeland was still at the crease and looked capable of winning the match for Easingwold.

But Park produced their trump card to remove him. Captain Humpleby replaced Wilkie at the scoreboard end and clean-bowled Copeland with a superb yorker, even though his team mates later claimed it was a full toss. With the score on 47, up stepped man of the match Richardson to clean-bowl Walker to finish with superb figures of 10.4 overs, 4 maidens, 6 for 16. Park have now won the cup eight times in 16 years.

Stillington Sports and Social Club sponsored the cup, with £200 going to the winners and £100 to the runners-up.

Updated: 09:10 Wednesday, July 24, 2002