Last week Yorkshire Academy lost to bottom-of-the-table Doncaster Town in the Solly Sports ECB Yorkshire County Premier League...this week the Colts of coach and skipper John Blain, pictured, beat top-of-the-table York by 148 runs.

Winning the toss was an excellent start on a cloudy day at Clifton Park, and Academy openers Alex Lees and James McNichol made a steady 22 before rain brought an 18-minute break. It helped York - for six runs later McNichol edged Murphy to second slip, where Hairs took the catch.

A stand of 87 brought Nick Kay into the attack, and three balls later he bowled Lees for an excellent 62, an innings of 10 fours which pushed the scoring rate to four an over. Jack Leaning and George Ross added 44 before Leaning slashed a high ball to the covers where again Hairs held it.

Spin was reintroduced - and with immediate success as Jonathan Tattersall tried to force the pace and was caught at mid-off by Alex Collins. Leg-spinner Tom Pringle joined the attack, and along with wicket-keeper Nigel Durham took three wickets: Ross, 79- another useful innings - Will Rhodes, 1, and Eddie Wilson, 19.

Blain  was a further victim for left-arm spinner Woods. 215-8. The tail gave a little wag, and the last wicket fell to the last ball of the allotted overs. One wondered whether this really was the shot to stop York gaining an outright win! A useful total, but not too challenging for York.

Early wickets were needed, and opening bowlers James Wainman and Blain knew it. 45-6 with Snell, McKendry, Tute, Hairs, Collins and Nick Kay back in the hutch. Three victims to each bowler, and York were struggling.

Seven batsmen failed to reach double figures. Ben Coad took the last two wickets, and it was victory by 148 runs. The Academy's pace attack outshone York's, but spinners Woods and Pringle took a while to get into their stride. The Academy batsmen taught York a lesson, and one appreciated the batting of Lees and Ross.

Words and Statistics: HAROLD GALLEY