Yorkshire Premier League North: Harrogate CC beaten again as Knaresborough and Sessay triumph

Henry Thompson hit a half-century for Harrogate CC, but couldn't save his side from defeat. Picture: Richard Bown

Just as was the case in last weekend’s loss at Dunnington, the Roosters failed to chase down what looked a gettable target having got themselves into a healthy position when they entertained Woodhouse Grange.

Adbi-Hasan Ahmed (2-26) and Ben Stokes (2-28) bowled well to ensure that the visitors didn’t progress any further than 179/7 from their 40 overs.

’Gate reached 68/1 in reply and with opener Henry Thompson (70) in fine fettle they were very much in the game, only for a middle and lower-order collapse to leave them all out on 148.

In North Division One, Harrogate 2nds also ended up on the losing side, going down by 50 runs at Malton & Old Malton having been set 230 for victory.

Knaresborough sit just four points off top spot in second place after recording a third victory in four outings when they eased past Thirsk away from home.

Tashmial Henry top-scored with 54 to steer the visitors to 188/9 before completing a stunning afternoon’s work by helping himself to a five-wicket haul.

The all-rounder joined forces with Andy Ward Jr (5-26), snapping up 5-4 as Thirsk were sent packing with just 91 on the board.

Harry Consett (40) was the only home batsman to offer any real resistance.

Sessay are fourth in the table, level on points with Knaresborough, following a narrow success at Studley Royal.

Tim Hall made 49 in the away side’s 169/6, a total that didn’t look as if it was going to be sufficient when Royal reached 114/2 in response.

Dan Coad (44) and Rob Nicholson (36) seemed to have paved the way for them to go on and win the match, though a trio of scalps apiece for Matt Till and Stephen Langstaff slowed the run-rate and the hosts eventually ran out of deliveries four runs short on 165/8.

Christopher Till struck 87 for Sessay 2nds in their score of 178/5 against Easingwold, however his efforts weren’t enough to save the Thirsk outfit from a two-wicket defeat from the very last ball of what was a thrilling contest.

Bottom-of-the-table Pannal were skittled for 76 at home to Sheriff Hutton Bridge 2nds, their fourth reverse in as many matches.

None of their batsmen mustered more than Rob Ellis (18) and Bridge went on to complete a nine-wicket triumph in just 11.2 overs.