Kevin Clarkson was in magnificent form for Kirby Sigston against Swainby, writes Malcolm Pratt.

The opening batsman figures in a partnership of 115 with Chris Cowton (35) and then formed a second wickets stand with Bernard Lowther, whose 37 not out included five boundaries.

Clarkson went on to make 103 with two sixes and 13 fours enabling Kirby Sigston to declare with 230 for three on the board following 31 overs.

Replying Swainby managed only 77 for nine from their 35 overs and no fewer than 53 of the runs came from George Clemmitt who found the boundary line on seven occasions.

Clarkson completed a man of match performance sending down 17 overs, including six maidens and taking seven wickets for a mere 27 runs. Neil Kendrew gave support with two wickets for four runs in 4.1 overs.

Runs were less plentiful at Hutton Rudby who managed only 38 and lost by eight wickets to Skelton Castle. Only number ten batsman Cook made double figures as D Hogarth captured five wickets from 12 runs, G Hogarth returned three for 13 and Jones two for 11.

Although they conceded a couple of wickets Skelton Castle were never in danger and Stainthorpe carried his bat for 30 out of a total of 41 for two.

East Harlsey had seven wickets in hand of Kildale who batted 36.1 overs for their total of 136 all out. Peirson made a good 38, Les Sonley top scored with 52 hitting one six and six boundaries and Corcoran added 25 runs. Johnny Grainge was in good form with the ball for East Harlsey conceding only 26 runs in 12.1 overs and claiming five wickets while Dave Willey also took five wickets at a cost of 72 runs in 18 overs, three of which were maidens.

When they replied East Harlsey were never troubled and reached a winning score losing only three wickets in 37.1 overs. Andy Broadley opened with 31 which included three boundaries. Gary Bliss ended unbeaten on 55 with five fours and Willey completed a good game making 37 not out from 38 deliveries. He found the boundary line on six occasions.

Thimbleby totalled 115 for nine at Crathorne who won an exciting game with their last pair at the wicket. Thompson almost pulled the game out of the fire for Thimbleby when he took six wickets for 58 runs, but an opening innings of 35 by Marshall was crucial to Crathorne who just squeezed home as Bainbridge and Leng contributed 17 runs between them in a last wicket stand.

Batting first Thimbleby ended on 115 for nine which included 54 by Stenson. Cowton added a valuable 25 and for Crathorne Howard Leng had the excellent figures of five for 25 and Bruce returned four for 50.

Ingleby Greenhow were sent back for just 92 in their home game with Chopgate. Michael Fawcett opened the innings scoring 35 but most of the time the batsmen were contained by the three-man Chop Gate attack.

Vout bowled well in taking five for 51, Stockton had three for 32 and Cook two for seven.

Replying Chopgate were indebted to Holmes who ended unbeaten on 43 out of a total of 93 for four.

Arthur Fawcett, who opened the attack with son Michael, captured two wickets for 28 runs.

Broughton and Kirby won by five wickets in their home game with Maltby. Faced with a target of 136 they were given a reasonable send off by Cook (25) and Blayden (28) before Robinson finished undefeated on 30. Newbould was also in form with the bat for Broughton scoring a useful 28 while for Maltby Hornsby captured two wickets for 29 runs.

When they made first use of the wicket Maltby were all out for 135 which included 44 by opening batsman Francis and 37 from Cowen. Briddock with five for 48 and Smith five for 80 bowled throughout in the Broughton and Kirby attack.

Scruton made a useful 139 for eight which included 30 by opener Hornby and 54 by Barritt Snr. Livingstone Snr claimed three for 39 and O'Donoghue three for 34 while Robson was also among the wickets with two for 47 for Stafford Place who won by five wickets.

After losing both openers for a combined total of only 19 runs Stafford Place were well served by man of the match O'Donoghue who finished undefeated on 68 out of a total of 143 for five. Hornby was the most successful bowler in the Scruton attack with three for 38.