SHERIFF Hutton Bridge have a clear lead at the top of Pilmoor Evening League's first division after beating Thirsk.

Nick Scaling made 33, but they lost wickets regularly to Mark Wainwright (3-11) and S Holmes (2-23) as Bridge totalled 105-9.

Dean Bramley (25) and Mark Wainwright (23) then top scored in Thirsk's reply but Danny Snowball (3-20) held them in check and they closed on 86-6.

Sessay recorded their first victory of the campaign when they won at Newburgh, who were dismissed for 56 by Sessay youngsters James Easton (4-15), Steven Rhodes (2-7) and Chris Padgett (2-17). Steve Frare (24no) and Joseph Joyce (23no) took Sessay to victory at 57-2.

Crayke suffered their first defeat when they lost at home to Easingwold, who set 110-5. Dan Copeland top scored for Easingwold with 47 and A Metcalf made 29. Clive Baker (2-14) and Andy Swindlehurst (2-23) had the best returns for Crayke.

Graeme Dawson led Crayke's reply with 41 but the necessary support was not forthcoming as Trevor Smith (2-9), Tommy Langstaff (3-34) and Paul Skilbeck (3-16) restricted the home side to 104-9.

Alne took the points against Stillington who were unable to raise a side.

In the second division, Huby's batsmen were in form when they took on Helperby. Dan Grainger made 54, Mark Mierzwinski 53 and Paul Lister 24, as they posted a formidable 174-4. Helperby replied gamely with 109-4, M Wass (24) and B Cross (24) top scorering.

Rowntree had a narrow six-run win when they visited Clifton Alliance. D Whittle (41) and P Todd (26) did most to take them to 120-6. Simon Corley led Clifton's reply with 51 but wickets fell to Dominic Atkinson (3-12) and D Whittle (2-29) and the innings closed just short on 114-8.

Raskelf are still seeking their first victory after losing at home to Sheriff Hutton. G Faith claimed 4-19 as Ralkelf made 101-8. B Tompkins (37no) and T Fisher (43no) then shared a match-winning partnership as Sheriff reached 102-2 after Joseph Thornton claimed a couple of early wickets.

Updated: 08:57 Wednesday, June 04, 2003