EASINGWOLD gave their title hopes a massive boost by beating Thirsk by eight wickets in the only Hunters the estate agent York and District Senior Cricket League premier division game to reach a finish on Saturday.

Rain decimated the whole programme. Only six games in the seven divisions were played to a conclusion.

Easingwold's win increases their lead over second-placed Clifton Alliance to 47 points.

Thirsk's batsmen succumbed to the bowling of Paul Skilbeck, who took 5-25 as the home side teetered to 96-8.

The only Thirsk batsman to offer any resistance was veteran Des Wyrill, who made an unbeaten 28 which saw him maintain his keen rivalry with a club for whom he played briefly at the start of his long and successful career.

Easingwold skipper Martin Piercy then led from the front as he made 58 to see his side to victory.

Clifton Alliance had a frustrating day at Acomb when the weather terminated their reply to a home total of 136-5 when they had progressed to 11 without loss.

In a 30-over game, Acomb were indebted to the trio of Matt Dickenson, who made 38, Richard Sykes (30) and Sanjaya Rodrigo, who chipped in with 28.

Third-placed Dunnington's trip to York was the earliest rain casualty in the division, only two overs being bowled.

A positive result appeared to be on the cards at Sheriff Hutton Bridge, where Pickering were making good progress towards an inadequate home total when the weather scuppered their chances.

In a game limited to 35 overs the home batsmen gave an inept performance which saw them bowled out for only 95 in 31 overs.

Paul Oldfield made 25 at the top of the order before falling to a Paul Witty catch, while Steve Crowder had reached 24 when he was caught off Mark Shepherd's first delivery.

Tony Evans then prospered as the Bridge batsmen gave a nave performance and netted 6-47 in 16 overs.

With 39 overs available, Pickering made steady progress to 31-1 in 15 overs but then saw their victory bid washed away by a heavy shower which ended play.

In a 35-over session at Heworth, Sessay made a good score of 171-3 and then saw the game terminated by rain when Heworth had reached 26-1 in 10 overs.

Aussie Mick Polson (33) and stalwart John Flintoff (31) had laid the Sessay foundations and then Chris Till (59no) and Tom Kay, who was unbeaten with 38, ensured a challenging total.

Ali Brumfield hit an unbeaten 64 for Beverley Town, who made 133-9 in a 34-over game at Woodhouse Grange, whose bowlers Ahley Quinn (5-26) and Kamran Sajid (4-50) did a sterling job. But the rain prevented any resumption after the tea interval.

Updated: 09:09 Monday, June 28, 2004