Malton 3rds snatch title after rivals Sherburn 2nds slip up

Malton & Old Malton 3rds won the CPH Scarborough Beckett Cricket League Division Four title race on the final day thanks to a 10-wicket home success against Bridlington 3rds after their rivals Sherburn 2nds slipped to a shock defeat at Brompton 2nds.

Sherburn 2nds headed into their last match of the season, knowing that a win would have secured the title, and even a high-scoring defeat, points-wise, would have seen them finish on top of the table.

The visiting openers both departed early to leave Sherburn struggling on 5-2, and although Al Lickes (23) and Matthew Lickes (18) gave the title-chasing side hope of a revival they then lost wickets at regular intervals as they slipped to 108 all out in 30.1 overs.

Tony Hulme was the top Brompton bowler with 3-33, while Joe Barker and Alex Bennett bagged two wickets apiece.

Sherburn will still have been hopeful of dismissing the home side for under 100, but an undefeated 50 from Phil Holden guided Brompton to a winning 111-4 from 22.3 overs, Bennett adding 20.

This meant that a win for Malton & Old Malton 3rds would earn them the league title.

At The Gannock, the visitors Bridlington 3rds were restricted to 106-9 from their 40 overs, then Malton’s openers steered the high-flyers to a victorious 107-0 in just 20 overs to wrap up the league title on the final day of their league campaign.

Staxton 2nds were handed a victory as Scarborough 3rds failed to raise a side.

Division Five champs Forge Valley 3rds earned a 50-run win at home to runners-up Ravenscar 2nds, both having already secured promotion.

Zikrullah Safi bagged a stunning 6-26 as Valley were dismissed for 173, openers Byju Ousephutty (63no) and Sonu Thomas (57) the star batters for the champions.

Suresh Madappallilkarrottu then took 3-20 for the championsasRavenscarwere all out for 123, Farid Pardess hitting a defiant 32.

Scalby 3rds finished their season on a high note, winning by five wickets at home to Malton 4ths on Saturday and then netting a 251-run victory at Thornton Dale 2nds 24 hours later.

Wykeham 3rds won by 18 runs at Nawton Grange 2nds on Sunday to end their season on a positive note.