SHERIFF Hutton Bridge and Sessay remain level on points at the top of the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League's first division, after both recorded victories in the latest round of fixtures.

Sessay played their match at Tollerton on Tuesday evening due to a cup commitment, and posted 132-3 with Nick Harrison's unbeaten 76 being the cornerstone of the innings. Matthew Till chipped in with 33.

Tony Raper led Tollerton's reply with 43 not out, but the hosts closed well short on 92-6, Stephen Langstaff taking 4-16.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge overwhelmed bottom placed Huby by ten wickets. Only S Potrylius (25no) made any progress as Huby made 70-6, then Nick Scaling (34no) and G Schofield (27no) took Bridge to victory at 73-0 in less than ten overs.

Thirsk moved away from the danger zone when they had a narrow victory at Easingwold. Keogan Luiters (46no) and Dean Bramley (22) helped them to 85-3, with Ben Kelly claiming 2-24 for Easingwold. Trevor Smith (30) and Adrian Leckenby (26) then scored well for Easingwold, but they closed at 81-6.

Crayke's recent poor run ended when they won at struggling Alne. Norman Pipes (24) and Eric Watson (22) top scored in Crayke's 101-6. Alne's reply was held in check by Andrew Dawson who took 2-24 and Dave Allitt (2-22) and they closed on 89-6, to leave themselves three points adrift of safety.

Newburgh need only two more points to wrap up the second division title.

Their latest victory has come at the expense of Raskelf. Tony Fox (23), Danny Jacques (22) and Martin Chapman (21) did most to take them to 110 all out, while Craig Richardson hit back with 5-13 for Raskelf.

Trevor Reynolds did his best with the bat for Raskelt, but fell for 27 and with little support forthcoming, Raskelf were dismissed for 83. Jacques (3-24) and Chapman (4-15) completed fine all round performances.

Stillington's recent poor form continued when they were surprisingly beaten at home by Rowntrees who made 110-8 with C Roberts top scoring with 29.

Wayne Linton hit 25 and D Coulson 21 in Stillington's reply, but N Dawson (2-21), Paul Horner (2-29) and K Palmer (2-23) held Stillington in check and they closed just short on 101-7.

Clifton Alliance brought themselves into contention when they had a comfortable win at Helperby. Mark Spilman (30) and Nigel Milton (20) were Helperby's main scorers as they reached 79-7.

Bill Roddham took 2-9 for Clifton whose Alastair Wray (40no) and C Dower (22) took their side to victory.

Updated: 11:50 Wednesday, July 17, 2002