THIXENDALE’S long-awaited first match in the top flight of the HPH York Vale League proved to be a harsh lesson.

They were crushed by 190 runs by champions Ovington after being skittled for just 47 in reply to the York side’s imposing 237-3.

Nigel French (14) was the only Dale batsman to make double figures.

Westow also made a disappointing start to the season with a 39-run defeat at Stillingfleet in division two following the previous week’s washout against Heworth.

Fielding nine players aged 18 or under, Westow bowled Fleet out for 171, Andy Phillips taking 5-58 and Mark Earle 3-37. Earle then hit 52 but lacked support as Westow were all out for 132.

Worse followed on Sunday when Westow could not raise a side to fulfil their HPH Cup preliminary round game at Ovington – a failure which means they won’t be eligible to play in the plate competition, the Guy Mitchell Cup.

Nine-man Malton & Old Malton pulled off a superb 38-run victory at Thorpe Willoughby in division three.

Simon Brookshaw rode his luck with a string of edges to third man on his way to 88 as Malt totalled 220-8. Ross Harland (23) and Steve Varey (20) gave good support along with 31 extras.

Thorpe were never quite in the hunt as Malton fielded superbly to cover the extra gaps in the field as Steve Oldfield took 3-40 and James Spencer 3-67.

In contrast, Malton & Old Malton II lost by six wickets to Thorpe Willoughby II in division four. John Sims (35) was the only Malton batsman to post a decent score in a below-par 109-9. Alex Biles (3-26) took three of the four Thorpe wickets to fall.