IN-FORM Andy Welford headed Westow to a comprehensive 85-run victory against Selby in the HPH York Vale Cricket League.

The opener made 104 and figured in a 118-run first wicket partnership with skipper Mark Earle (47) as the villagers amassed 238-9.

The handy total would have been ever bigger but for the efforts of Selby bowler Steve Whitehead who returned 5-21. Selby were never really in the hunt, finishing on 153-8 as all Westow’s bowlers kept a tight rein on the batsmen.

The win was Westow’s third on the bounce and leaves them handily placed for a division two promotion push in the second half of the season.

Thixendale were crushed by 82 runs by Woodhouse Grange in division three.

Dale did relatively well, restricting Grange to 161-9 with James Wigby taking 3-31 and Dean Tyler 3-43 while Freddie Collins responded with 48.

A close game looked on the cards at tea but accurate bowling by Grange skipper Paul Townsley (4-4), Luke Phillipo (3-26) and Collins (2-11) saw half the Dale team back in the pavilion with only four runs on the board.

The tail wagged a bit thanks to Miles Flather (22), Tyler (18no) and Wigby (15) as Dale were eventually bowled out for 79 in 27.3 overs.

Malton & Old Malton improved their division four promotion prospects with a seven-wicket hammering of Wheldrake II.

Tom Audsley (4-31) starred with the ball as Wheldrake were rolled over for 98. Malt lost a couple of early wickets but Adam Morley (38no) and Simon Brookshaw (30) wrapped up a straightforward win.