JOE ASHDOWN was in record-breaking form on a day to remember at Clifton Alliance in the Hunters York & District Senior Cricket League Premier division.

His innings of 177 not out against York was not only the highest score recorded in the top flight in 2015 but his fifth century of the campaign saw him take the record for the most runs in a season - a tally which had stood for 14 years.

The previous best, set by former Alliance batsman Ben Higgins, was 1,207 but that looks set to be substantially bettered with Ashdown already on 1,250 with four rounds still to play.

Alliance notched 339-3 with Kevin Bradley (81) also contributing to the mammoth total.

York replied with 136 as Alex Renton collected 6-41.

Mark Fisher (107) and Louis Foxton (109no) both scored centuries for Sheriff Hutton Bridge as the league leaders declared on 278-3 at Hull Zingari. The hosts could manage only 140 in reply as Stephen Croft took 4-63 and Fisher 3-19.

Scarborough remained in second place following a five-wicket win over Heworth. Theo Smith was the hero, taking 5-49 before leading the hosts to victory with an unbeaten half-century.

Woodhouse Grange were denied a fifth consecutive victory but bowled 15 overs in 35 minutes with the weather closing in to ensure a result against Fenner.

Andrew Bilton made 87 and Christopher Suddaby 70 not out for the home side as they scored 235-5. They looked on course for maximum points when Grant Van Es came to the crease with the total on 78-6 but he saw out the closing overs, finishing unbeaten on 37, as Fenner finished on 141-9.

Dunnington’s Jake Murphy produced a season’s best, taking 5-40 to help bowl out hosts Beverley Town for 131. A half-century from Jack Bolam laid the foundations for a six-wicket win.

Easingwold closed the gap on visitors Stamford Bridge as the sides vying for the final promotion place went head-to-head.

Kyle Waite continued his outstanding run of form, scoring 102 not out for the home side while sharing stands of 108 and 83 with Joshua Geenlay (44) and Matthew Trunbull (54) in a total of 245-5.

Paul Skilbeck (4-51) took the first four wickets in reply but could not dislodge opener Stuart Boyle, who eventually fell for 67, as the visitors took a share of the points.

Acomb got the better of a draw at Studley Royal but were denied a likely victory by a seventh wicket stand of 64 between Anthony Mackle (61no) and Charlie Scatchard (32).