Skipper's century fires Harrogate CC to first win as Sessay take over at the top

Harry Stothard smashed a quick-fire century to propel Harrogate CC to victory. Picture: Caught Light Photography

The Roosters began the weekend bottom of the table following a winless start to 2020, though Saturday’s 74-run triumph over Driffield saw them leapfrog their opponents.

Stothard plundered 16 fours and four sixes in a devastating innings of 116 not out from only 76 deliveries.

Corrie Keable chipped in with 32 down the order and, having closed on 247/5, the hosts found themselves in a position of real strength at the halfway stage.

A 73-run stand for the opening wicket then saw the momentum shift the other way, however ‘Gate eventually got rid of the Woldsmen for 173, Henry Thompson scooping 3-30.

Sessay took over at the top of Division One North courtesy of an emphatic success against local rivals Thirsk.

Joseph Watson (116) and Matthew Till (107) both smashed centuries in the home side’s mammoth 365/6.

And Thirsk got nowhere near their target when they responded, Watson helping himself to 3-13 to complete an excellent all-round display and help get rid of the visitors with only 94 to their name.

Knaresborough came out on top of their derby showdown with Pannal.

Carl Wilson’s unbeaten 72 was the cornerstone of the struggling visitors’ total of 180/7.

A fifth-wicket partnership of 109 between Dave Girling (59) and Toby Giddings (52) did however steer Knaresborough to a fourth victory in five matches.

Four scalps for Alfie Weaver helped Harrogate 2nds restrict Easingwold to 151/9.

The Roosters passed the home total in the penultimate over of the match, George Horbury top-scoring with 53 while Will Bates contributed 40 not out.

Studley Royal didn’t manage to chase down Malton & Old Malton’s 270/6, despite the efforts of Adam Newcombe (70), Oliver Simenacz (44) and Dan Coad (40) in their 227/6.