IN-FORM Westow openers Mark Earle and Andrew Welford put together another big partnership as their side edged out Heworth by seven runs.

They followed last week’s first-wicket stand of 177 against Woodhouse Grange with an even bigger one in their HPH York Vale League division two game.

Earle (85) and Welford (74) enjoyed a 194-run partnership before both fell to young bowler Tom Neal. Some late hitting by Matthew Shipley enabled 10-man Westow to amass 254-6.

Heworth tackled the target with relish, with Greg Sykes (61), Arron Wood (55) and Matthew Huffer (36) keeping the game alive.

Westow’s bowlers, led by under-18 player Jamie Smith (3-89), kept plugging away, though, and, thanks to some excellent catching and fielding, wickets fell at crucial times to see them hang on for a close victory.

Thixendale thrashed North Duffield by 143 runs in division three, batsmen Geoff Room and Will Megginson laying the foundations with a second-wicket partnership of 91.

Room (64) belted seven fours and a six, while 17-year-old Megginson hit the rope 11 times. Joe Robinson propelled Dale to 221-6 at tea with a 22-ball 47 which included four sixes.

Thixendale were equally as efficient with the ball, Dean Tyler returning a superb 6-3-3-3 and Adrian Brader 4-26.

Malton & Old Malton completed back-to-back wins against Welton & Brough. Having knocked them out of the Scothern Construction Cup last week, they notched up a seven-wicket win in division three on Saturday.

The Gannock men successfully chased down 152-7 – a result which was never in doubt after openers Alistair Blacklee (60) and Adam Hill (46) shared a 123-run stand.

Malton & Old Malton II were humiliated in division five by Selby II. After keeping Selby to 188-6, Malt were skittled for just 42, Mike Thorpe taking 5-13.