HOVINGHAM were left wondering how they had lost to Pickering in Ryedale Beckett League division one as they fell one run short of their target while losing only three wickets.

Matthew Butler top scored for the Pikes with 37 after opening the innings and Ryan Boyes provided useful late impetuous with an unbeaten 33.

In reply, Dave Bowling carried his bat through the innings for 45 but they were unable to top the visitors' modest total on a delightful wicket.

They needed a six off the last ball but snicked boundary to leave them so near but so far from victory.

Harome continued their unbeaten start with a comfortable six-wicket win at Malton.

Their bowling attack could afford to give ex-Yorkshire paceman Nick Thornicroft a rest as back-up bowlers Mark Fairweather and Dan Jeminson starred for their new club with useful tight spells.

Jack Craneg returned to the line-up after a stint in the Bradford League but proved expensive.

Malt were still restricted to 96-6, though, of which Danny Foxton made 30 not out and Shaun Harland 25.

In reply, James Greenlay continued his solid batting performance from last week with 35 more runs and brother Dave returned to form with an impressive 32 not out.

Settrington are struggling for runs and were indebted to Tristan Midgley for his 29 to give them a target to defend of 94-8. However, Matt Beckett saw his side home with a cultured unbeaten 44 full of Chinese cuts and leg glances to the fence.

Ampleforth got their division two campaign off to a sensational start with a last-ball victory over Thornton Dale.

All Thornton batters chipped in but Lyle Hillier had a fine return of 4-15 as they were held to 84-5.

In reply, James Skelton top scored with 30 for Ampleforth and, with star batsman Mark Wilkie not having a significant impact, it was left to experienced batter Rich Hilton to see the side home with a vital 10 not out.

Ace batsman Brian Leckenby started the season off in fine style for Duncombe Park with 53 as his side set Westow a challenging 135 to win.

Westow never really got going as Park's bowlers kept things tight, and useful knocks from Paul Taylor (43) and Rich Hudson couldn’t get them close enough as they ended 27 runs short.

Newton Grange were another team to win on the last ball.

Charlie Foster hit 59 to dominated Whitwell's total of 97-4.

Charlie Allott hit a cultured 52 not out in reply to see his side to victory alongside youngster Ben Stamp.