York Senior League: Thunderstorms save Harrogate 2nds in bizarre climax

Harrogate 2nds’ promotion hopes were given a boost in remarkable circumstances on Saturday.
Harrogate's George Owram.(1409064AM1)Harrogate's George Owram.(1409064AM1)
Harrogate's George Owram.(1409064AM1)

Heavy rain forced an end to their York and District Senior League Division Two North fixture at home to Thirsk with the visiting side needing just one more run to win.

Second-placed Harrogate had been on the back foot throughout the contest after a poor batting display saw them all out for just 101 in 36.1 overs.

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First team bowler Ashley Griffin smacked eight fours in an innings of 54 as he was the only high point of the total, with Richard Burcher (13) the only other man in double figures.

Thirsk’s reply looked in tatters as Ali Hasan-Ahmed (3-30) and Griffin (2-7) restricted them to 53-7.

But a stoic partnership between captain Mark Cook (46no) and Adrian Porter (24no) brought the lower-midtable side towards victory when rain began to fall.

With 14 runs required, and drizzle falling, Cook smashed two sixes and a single to put the scores level.

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However, the flurry came too late as the heavens opened and the umpires took the players from the field.

The teams shared 12 points leaving Harrogate in the promotion zone ahead of Londesborough Park and York 3rds.

The 2nd string will spend the Bank Holiday on the road this weekend with games at Acomb 2nds and Selby.

Meanwhile, George Ross’ Harrogate’s first team were in a winnings position at Rotherham when the rain all-but ended their Yorkshire League title chances.

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David Foster topscored on 64 for ‘Gate in a very competitive 280 all out but the hosts’ chase was brought to an early end on 27-0 from 7.4 overs.

Ross bemoaned the heavens after rivals York collected a vital win at Hull to leave Gate trailing by 13 points having played a game more.

The captain said: “It’s happened to us all year.

“There’s been many factors to why we have not quite made that league title but a major one has been having three games rained off when we have looked in pretty good positions and other games have been played around us.

“York played an won and have now gone top. I don’t think they have been affected by rain like everyone else has.”

Eighth-placed Cleethorpes are the visitors to St George’s Road this Saturday.

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