FLIXTON ‘A’ and Staxton ‘A’ go head to head again on Friday in the final of arguably the most prestigious cup competition in Scarborough area cricket, the Andy Hire Evening League’s Harburn Cup.

The two teams have contested the North Marine Road showdown in the last two seasons, with Flixton beating the league champions both times. Staxton lifted the trophy the year before, in 2011.

A close game again looks afoot.

Flixton ‘A’ have excellent batting talent in Oliver Stephenson, Stuart Stocks, Richard Malthouse and youngster Harry Walmsley, and will look for wickets from Ben Elvidge, Jamie Nesfield and brothers Will and Mike Hunter. The side are captained by all-rounder Scott Cooper.

Staxton ‘A’, who reached the final by beating Ebberston ‘A’ by one run in a thrilling semi-final, will want runs from Rob Pinder, Nick Gibson, and Paul Witty and wickets from Linden Gray, Elliot Cooper, Andy Holtby, Adam Hargreaves. Young Aussie all-rounder Carl Joyce could also be key for Dan Bulman’s men.

Entrance is free but spectators are urged to buy raffle tickets with all proceeds going to charity.

In division ‘A’, Flixton ‘A’ maintained hopes of catching Ebberston ‘A’ and Staxton ‘A’ as they beat Heslerton ‘A’ by five wickets to join their opponents in third place.

The in-form Walmsley hit 53 not out, having earlier claimed 3-27 to restrict Heslerton to 143-5, of which A Carrie made 59.

Leaders Ebberston, though, had little trouble in seeing off Forge Valley ‘A’, J Mason taking 4-7 as the losers were all out for 48, while Staxton beat Cloughton ‘A’ by 97 runs, as Gibson made 64 and Pinder 40 before Hargreaves took 3-18 in holding the hosts to 76-5.

Relegation-threatened Wykeham ‘A’ beat Seamer ‘A’ with one ball to spare. M Bruce was the late hero with 27 not out in their 123-8. Seamer had earlier lost only two wickets but their run-rate was too slow.

There was disappointment for the league further down the tiers as three teams failed to put sides out – Flixton ‘B’ in division ‘B’ and Seamer ‘B’ and Cloughton ‘B’ in division ‘C’. Flixton and Cloughton also had their fines doubled for failing to give their hosts 24 hours’ notice.

Scalby ‘A’ took a firm grip on the division ‘B’ title race by edging second-placed Sherburn by six runs, the visitors ending on 124-9 with P Hesp’s 4-23 proving crucial.

There was an even closer game at Scarborough as the hosts were all out for 167 – just one run short of Cayton ‘A’s 168-7.

Ganton joined Sherburn in second courtesy of Flixton ‘B’ forfeiting their match.

It’s tight at the top of division ‘C’ with four teams separated by one point.

Adrian Turnbull (48), A Machin (54no) and S Hardie (3-10) were at the forefront of Ebberston ‘B’s 65-run win over Scalby, which saw the Ryedale side join their opponents at the summit. Next come Wykeham ‘B’, who beat Cayton ‘B’ thanks largely to S Wardman’s 45, and Ravenscar, who edged Muston.