Harrogate CC's long wait for a victory in Yorkshire Premier League North goes on

Harrogate CC are now six completed fixtures without a victory following Saturday’s ECB Yorkshire Premier League North loss at the hands of Yorkshire Academy.
Rob Smith hit a half-century for Pannal CC, but couldn't save them from defeat. Picture: Gerard BinksRob Smith hit a half-century for Pannal CC, but couldn't save them from defeat. Picture: Gerard Binks
Rob Smith hit a half-century for Pannal CC, but couldn't save them from defeat. Picture: Gerard Binks

The Roosters find themselves bottom of the pile after nine rounds of the season having gone down by seven wickets at the weekend.

Once again missing key batsman Henry Thompson, none of the ‘Gate line-up were able to go big after skipper Will Bates won the toss and opted to set their opponents a target to chase.

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That said, Harry Stothard (45), Ollie Horberry (41) and captain Will Bates (36) did all contribute useful knocks.

A total of 194/6 from their 50 overs meant that the hosts were very much in contention at the halfway stage of proceedings, though Yorkshire knocked off the required runs with relative ease.

Ben Stokes snapped up a couple of wickets, but the away side eventually reached 195/3 with almost seven overs to spare.

Saturday’s result leaves ‘Gate eight points from safety.

Harrogate 2nd XI’s York Senior League Division One West fixture with Carlton Towers was cancelled due to a Covid-19-related issue.

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Elsewhere, Knaresborough remain hot on the heels of league leaders Easingwold following a seven-wicket success at Bolton Percy that was inspired by a stunning all-round display by Greg Pickles.

The skipper’s superb six-wicket haul helped get rid of the hosts for 221 before he went on to take centre stage with the bat.

His unbeaten knock of 120 came from just 123 deliveries and featured no fewer than 23 boundaries.

Pickles’ efforts alongside Tashmial Henry (59 not out) wrapped up a maximum-point victory inside 40 overs, leaving Knaresborough a solitary point shy of top spot.

Thorp Arch & Boston Spa were beaten at home by Thirsk.

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Dale Gibson (40) and Oliver Riley (36) led the way for the hosts in their first innings score of 210/9, however it would not prove to be enough as James Trueman (67) and Keiran Fenwick struck half-centuries to carry their team to 211/7.

Harry Contreras did his best to thwart Thirsk, but ultimately his return of 4-34 in proved to be in vain.

Two batsmen also hit half-centuries in Pannal’s Galtres Division Two clash with Rufforth.

But, Rob Smith (76) and Rob Ellis (51) were unable to save the out-of-form visiting side from a third consecutive loss.

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Their total of 181/5 was overhauled by the hosts in 37.5 overs, with five wickets in hand.

Bilton-in-Ainsty’s underwhelming start to the campaign continued when they were turned over by South Milford.

Will Bartlett (61) and Jamie Perkins (59) impressed as the away team made 262/8 and put themselves in a commanding position.

Milford would however reach 266/4 in the 44th over to decided a closely-fought affair.

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Tadcaster Magnet took 25 points from their winning draw with Stillington.

John Hunter (123 not out) weighed in with an unbeaten ton to lay the foundations for a first-innings score of 245/5, Richard Cattle adding 75 not out.

Stillington’s response did not progress further than 225/4.