Easingwold are now firm favourites to win the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League first division championship.

Two wins last week, one against nearest rivals Sheriff Hutton Bridge, has given Easingwold a four point advantage.

Only two points points separate the rest of the teams in the division.

In division two Clifton Alliance won at Huby to move joint top with a game in hand on Huby. Helperby recorded their first win of the season, at Sheriff Hutton.

Easingwold won a rearranged fixture at home to Stillington. Tommy Langstaff (26) held the early order together but Easingwold were uneasy at 63 for four.

A rapid stand between James Pringle (39no) and Damon Smith (74no) took the game away from Stillington as Easingwold closed on 169 for four.

Stillington never threatened and Adrian Leckenby (2-16) and James Pringle (3-4) were their most successful bowlers as the visitors closed on 82 for nine.

Sessay took first innings against Thirsk and reached 151 without loss, Chris Till making 83 not out, the highest individual innings in the league this season. His cousin Richard supported with 56 not out.

Thirsk were then dismissed for 99, Oliver Grant top scoring with 23 as Nick Thorne took three for 39 and skipper Ian Watkinson four for 14.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge lost at home to Easingwold. Steve Crowder made 44 for Bridge and Kieron Rodgers 22 not out, but they lacked substantial support and Bridge were restricted to 114 for nine as James Pringle took three for 20, Adrian Leckeby three for 24 and Tommy Langstaff two for 34.

Leckenby (54no) and Langstaff (32no) then led Easingwold to victory at 115 for one.

Newburgh caught up the pack at the foot of the table with an important win at Alne. Stuart Robinson, with 81 not out, was the cornerstone of their 157 for four.

Chris Ford took three for 21 as Alne closed well adrift at 105 for eight.

Tollerton won at Stillington. Mark Hutchinson (48) Dan Copeland (28) and Gary Duckwith (29 not out) were all in form as Tollerton made 136 for five.

Stillington were then dismissed for 106 against Tony Raper (3-35), A Carrick (3-34) and Tom Green (2-18).

In division two Huby lost at home to rivals Clifton Alliance. Huby made 127 for seven, Colin Piercy making 57 as M Cayden took three for seven. John Hunter (69) and A Barton (23) then led Clifton to victory at 128 for three.

Rowntree won a high scoring match at Raskelf. Stuart Reynolds scored 36 and Alex Ingram 54 as Rowntree totalled 172 for six. Matthew Sigsworth (62no) and Steve Raper (66no) led Raskelf's reply of 149 for one.

Helperby won at Sheriff Hutton. J Sowray (62no) and Dave Sowray (25no) led the way as Helperby made 136 for three.

M Hardy took four for 17 as Sheriff Hutton were restricted to 97 for nine despite 34 from John Armitage.

Updated: 12:27 Tuesday, July 10, 2001