Alne and Thirsk beat the drop from the first division as the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League drew to a thrilling climax.

They stay up at the the expense of Stillington and Newburgh, while Crayke won the second division championship off the very last ball of the season.

In the first division, Newburgh entertained Thirsk having to win to force themselves into a play-off situation. They put Thirsk in to bat and the visitors made 122 for 7, Dave Greenlay top-scoring with 47.

Support came from Matthew Cressey (26) and Andrew Chandler (21), while Paul Doy returned an excellent 5 for 20. Mark Redhead (37) and Stuart Pierse (27) made most progress in Newburgh's reply, but Dave Greenlay took 3 for 9 as Newburgh also closed on 122 for 7, giving Thirsk the point they needed for safety and condemning Newburgh to relegation.

In the other relegation clash, Alne entertained Stillington for the right to stay up.

Alne took first innings and Matthew Waddington, making a rare appearance, led them to 167 for 3 when he made 100. Eddie Myers supported with 52 not out.

S Dissanayake led Stillington's reply with 66 but could not find enough support and the reply closed for 130 for 7 with Tom Ryder taking 3 for 20 and Chris Knowles 3 for 44 to ensure safety for Alne.

Champions Easingwold completed their campaign with an 11-run victory at Tollerton to go through the season unbeaten. Paul Skilbeck (41) and Trevor Smith (35 not out) did most to take them to 124 for 2. Ian Cotterill made 30 when Tollerton replied but Easingwold kept the scoring rate in check as Tollerton closed on 113 for 8.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge ended their campaign with a resounding win at Sessay, for whom Chris Till with 41 was the only batsman to show any resistance as they fell to 81 all out against Mike Smith (5 for 15) and Steve Glaves (3 for 26). Smith then made 30 not out and Paul Scaling 54 not out as Bridge cruised to a 10 wicket win at 88 for 0.

Crayke won the second division title in an exciting finish at Rowntrees. Rowntrees batted first and, although Charlie Roberts made 24, they struggled for runs and closed on 75 for 9.

Crayke also struggled to score freely, especially against Brian Burn (3 for 9) and had to wait to the very last ball which went for four byes to give them the victory and the second division title ahead of Huby, who are also promoted.

Raskelf signed off with a win when they entertained Sheriff Hutton. Sheriff batted first and Simon Brisby made 39 as they were all out for 92, Matthew Sigsworth returned 3 for 9 and Steve Raper 3 for 30. Nick Thornicroft (3 for 6) caused Raskelf problems, but Trevor Reynolds held firm with 48 not out and Raskelf took the points at 93 for 5.

Clifton Alliance made 139 for 3 when they took on Helperby, Mike Caiden scoring 77 not out. Helperby replied with 73 for 9, Paul Walton having the best return with 3 for 11.

Updated: 12:28 Wednesday, August 08, 2001