The Feversham Cricket League are used to dealing with the occasional crises, mainly involving postponements and the difficulties in agreeing new dates. Gillamoor and Glaisdale come into this category, the latter having had to call off their away match owing to a lack of players.

It appears that even Solomon in all his wisdom and glory would be hard pressed in finding a solution. There is still a glimmer of hope it might be resolved, perhaps with a degree of flexibility by both parties. It actually could have been worse, as Glaisdale raised doubts about their ability to complete their fixtures. Fortunately, the threat of withdrawal has receded.

A further concern surrounds the Countess of Feversham Cup first round match between Duncombe Park and Burythorpe. Despite various attempts to get in touch with both clubs, there is silence regarding when this match will be played, which is disappointing.

Better news surrounds two other matches in the same competition. Even with home advantage Gillamoor were always going to struggle against much stronger opponents in Great Habton who had little difficulty in putting together a somewhat daunting 130 for 5. Chief run makers were Jordan Allanby (34), Stuart Whatmore (27), John Lumley (18) and Thomas Easterby (17), whilst for Gillamoor Sam Farrow took 2 for 35. In reply, Gillamoor mustered 75 for 7 with Jonathan Maw (12) and Oscar Bradshaw (10) top scoring. Whatmore 2 for 6.

If James Boyes had not turned out for Lockton at home to Rosedale Abbey there is little doubt that the margin of his side’s comfortable nine-victory would have been substantially reduced or even nullified altogether. In just two devastating overs he sent back four bemused Rosedale Abbey batsmen at the cost of only two runs. Pete Williams provided ample backing with 2 for 10 off his two overs. Rosedale Abbey recovered reasonably well to reach 80 for 8 in 16 overs, thanks primarily to the dependable Neil Adams (28) anf Graham Atkinson (20 not out). Special praise was given to Lockton’s impressive fielding. In reply, it was almost a James Boyes one-man show. He hit two massive sixes, and raced along to 46 before he was dismissed within sight of success, which was duly achieved by Charlie Coulson’s 13 not out in only 8 overs.

Slingsby put a dent in High Farndale’s Top Four Play-off aspirations by recording a 14 run success over them. High Farndale did well in the bowling department getting Slingsby all out for 97, with Morgan Elvin (3 for 25) and Kyle Antonelli (3 for 31) the star performers. Jack Corner top scored with 20, aided by Sam Newton (18), Theo Hoggard (15) and Eddie Barnes (14). High Farndale’s batsmen have not so far replicated their stand-out performances of last season. Although Richard Smith made 15, it was only when Vernon Smith came to the crease and began to exhibit some dashing stroke play did High Farndale begin to believe they were in with a chance. Despite Smith plundering 38 runs it was not enough as High Farndale were eventually pegged back to 83 for 7. Ben Corner did most of the damage with figures of 3 wickets for 14 runs.

Results in the Feversham League 30 years ago included Rievaulx comprehensively defeating Duncombe Park by ten wickets, Harome proving too strong for High Farndale by eight wickets and Great Edstone tying with Nawton Grange. Best individual performances were recorded by Richard Wardle 58 not out for Harome and by Nicky Smith 5 for 20 for Nawton Grange.