Harrogate CC slip into Yorkshire Premier League North drop zone following Bank Holiday weekend to forget

Ross Sedgley top-scored for Harrogate CC during Saturday's defeat to Dunnington. Picture: Andy Standing

The Roosters suffered heavy defeats twice in the space of 48 hours, their batsmen failing to chase down the targets set for them on both occasions.

On Saturday, Will Bates’ men hosted Dunnington at St George’s Road and must have thought themselves to be very much in the game at the halfway stage having restricted their visitors to 213/9 from their 50 overs.

Sri Lankan spinner Ishan Abeysekara was the pick of the home attack, claiming 4-46, while Dominic Bradburne and Ashley Griffin picked up a brace apiece.

Ross Sedgley struck 32 in reply, but his knock was the only one of any note as ‘Gate collapsed from 63/2 to 101 all out.

The hosts’ hopes were not helped by star batsman Henry Thompson having to retire hurt on 21 not out.

On Monday, the Roosters entertained Woodhouse Grange and Abeysekara was once again their stand-out performer with ball in hand, helping himself to another four-wicket haul.

But, requiring 232 for their maiden victory of the campaign, the ‘Gate batsmen struggled once more.

A late partnership between Griffin (31 not out) and Bradburne (24) dragged them from 68/9 to 117 all out, though their efforts proved to be too little, too late to make any difference.

Harrogate’s 2nd XI fared much better when they travelled to Bolton Percy in Division One West of the York Senior League.

George Hampson (61) led the away team to 189 all out before 4-28 from Ben Stokes helped get rid of the hosts for 110.

Elsewhere in the division, Knaresborough demolished Osbaldwick to re-claim pole position.

Tashmial Henry (65), Andy Ward Jr (35) and captain Greg Pickles (32) all played their part as the visitors recovered from the loss of some early wickets to post 207.

A trio of dismissals apiecefor Toby Giddings and Jordan Tear then played a big part in Osbaldwick being knocked over with only 89 to their name.

Thorp Arch & Boston Spa edged out Sessay 2nds in close encounter.

Skipper George Gibson led the way with 65 as the home team made it to 211 all out.

Toby Wells (4-34) then helped ensure Sessay finished agonisingly short on 207.