Harrogate CC finally secure maiden Yorkshire Premier League North win of 2021

Harrogate CC skipper Will Bates, left, congratulates spinner Dominic Bradburne, who took three wickets during Saturday's win against York. Picture: Gerard Binks

Six consecutive defeats in as many completed fixtures left the Roosters rooted to the foot of the table prior to Saturday’s clash at St George’s Road.

And although they remain bottom of the pile despite a much-needed 61-run victory, they now sit just eight points from safety.

Runs have been an issue this term, but having won the toss and elected to bat first, Will Bates’ men surpassed the 200-mark for just the third time since the campaign began.

Ollie Horberry was the hosts’ top-scorer, hitting 46, while Ross Sedgley made 40 and Jordan Sleightholme 25 as they posted 212.

York’s reply never really got going, and although they rallied at 52/5 they were eventually dismissed for 151 in the 45th over.

It was the ‘Gate spinners who did the majority of the damage, Sri Lankan Ishan Abeysekara claiming 3-21 and Dominic Bradburne 3-25.

Harrogate’s 2nd XI also pulled off an impressive result, crushing York Senior League Division One West high-flyers Easingwold.

The home club went into the game top of the table and having won six out of six, but were sent packing with just 138 to their name courtesy of some fine bowling by Alfie Weaver 4-21 and Charlie Stokes 3-47.

That left them 119 runs short of the ‘Gate first-innings total of 256/7 from their 50 overs.

Isaac Light (49), George Hampson (35), Weaver (34 not out), Stokes (34 not out) and George Owram (33) all made useful contributions with the bat.

Knaresborough were unable to take full advantage of that result, losing out at Carlton Towers, but still accumulated enough points on the day to leapfrog Easingwold into pole position.

A trio of scalps apiece for Greg Pickles and Tashmial Henry helped ensure that the hosts did not progress any further than 214/9.

But, despite knocks of 71 from Kevin Owens and 41 from Henry, the Knaresborough response ended on 184 all out.

Elsewhere in the division, Thorp Arch & Boston Spa were unable to chase down Dringhouses’ score of 177/9.

Toby Wells scooped 4-30 then Sam Smith struck 40, but the pair’s efforts were only sufficient to earn their side a draw.

In Galtres Division Two, Rob Smith smashed 105 of Pannal’s 236/6 as they enjoyed much the better of a draw with Knaresborough 2nds.

Dominic Tear (64) top-scored for the visitors in their total of 203/8.

Bilton-in-Ainsty were bowled out for 161 on home soil chasing Ripon’s 220/8, Chris Fairhurst their leading light with a rapid 57.

Daniel Crewe (68) and Rob Taylor (64) impressed in away colours, while Jake Briscombe was the star of the show, bagging 6-38.