SHERIFF Hutton Bridge took advantage of Sessay's inactivity at the top of the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League first division to extend their lead to three points.

At the foot of the table, Huby lost again but Alne eased their relegation fears with a good win.

In the second division, Newburgh's match was postponed but they are still well clear at the top after Stillington lost at home to Sheriff Hutton. Helperby recorded their first win when they beat Raskelf.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge were in commanding form when they entertained Crayke.

Mark Hutchinson was Crayke's top scorer with 41 as they reached 104-7, Steve Glaves and Graham Oxley each taking 2-26 for Bridge.

Openers Steve Crowder (40 not out) and Craig Hunter (62no) then demolished the Crayke attack with a partnership of 105 in just eight and a half overs.

Bottom-placed Huby batted first against Tollerton. Once again their batsmen were in good form, and they reached 126-4, Steve Percy making 57 and Dan Grainer 39. H Gill (2-31) had the best return for Tollerton.

Tollerton however moved to a comfortable victory at 129-1, with Tony Raper making 56 not out and C Davis 34 not out.

Alne eased their relegation fears with a 24-run victory over Thirsk, M Lawson made 50 not out and Tom Ryder 28 as they reached 126-3.

Useful spells by the Ryders kept Thirsk at bay at 102-8. Tom finished with 2-23 and Geoff 3-20.

Sessay's fixture at Easingwold was postponed because of cup commitments.

In the second division, Stillington had the chance to draw level with Newburgh, whose fixture against Rowntree was postponed.

Stillington took first innings against Sheriff Hutton and reached 101-6 with Mark Maddock making 24 and Stuart Perrin 27. Sheriff Hutton's T Fisher took 3-23.

Craig Dodsworth made 24 and Sheriff took the points in the last over at 102-6 to move into third place and leave Stillington still two points behind leaders Newburgh.

Raskelf reached 111-5 at Helperby, with Ross Hardy making 24 and Gary Hindmarsh 31.

Joss Spilman (52) and Mark Spilman (25no) helped take Helperby to 114-2 for the team's first win of the campaign.

Updated: 11:41 Wednesday, July 03, 2002