WESTOW claimed the scalp of first division Stockton & Hopgrove to reach the semi-finals of the York Vale League’s HPH Cup, chasing down 241 for the loss of just two wickets.

Second division Westow elected to bowl in wet conditions and Stockton scored quickly through Sean Leetham (79) and Richard Kerrison (76) but the last seven wickets fell for 35 runs, Mark Earle finishing with 5-31.

With the sun out, Earle set the tone in the reply with a quick 47 runs before Paul Taylor (79no) and Matthew Shipley (87no) put together an unbeaten 172-run partnership to secure a last-four spot with three overs to spare.

Holders Bishopthorpe survived a nervy run chase to beat spirited Kelfield with ten balls to spare.

Kelfield posted a competitive 153-6, then Andy Kenny (4-33) came in at 117-7 for Bishopthorpe and cemented his man-of-the-match performance, hitting five fours to clinch the win.

Burn’s Matthew Smith (4-25) removed both Ovington openers for ducks and also removed Barry Steel first ball as the away side slumped to 37-5 inside nine overs.

Craig Nicoll (76) and Steve Tremayne (45) put on 86 for the sixth wicket before David Cole scored 49 not out to post 226-8.

Despite Mark Webster’s aggressive 50 and Ed Clark’s efforts before being run out for 47, Burn ended 40 runs short.

North Cave swept aside Ben Johnson, James Ferguson hitting six sixes in his 80.

North Duffield openers Paul Johnson and Trevor Britain enjoyed a 164-run first wicket stand against Clifton Alliance in the Guy Mitchell Cup. Britain fell for 57 but Johnson powered on for an undefeated 144 off 122 balls, including 19 fours and a six as victorious Duffield finished on 256-2.

Division two side Askham Bryan lowered the colours of top-flight Fulfordgate. Askham’s innings was built around a 110-run third wicket partnership between the two Adrians - Speakman (46) and Stipetic (55), who were both dismissed in the same over by Alan Baldock.

Oliver Steels made 81, which included seven fours and four sixes, as Melbourne proved too strong for Heworth II.

Press performance of the week: Paul Johnson (North Duffield) blasted 144 from 122 deliveries in the Guy Mitchell Cup victory against Clifton Alliance.