Sheriff Hutton Bridge drew level with Easingwold at the top of the first division when they won at Tollerton, with Easingwold's fixture against Stillington having been postponed because of cup commitments.

Tollerton's 95 for 5 was built around an unbeaten 49 from Gary Duckwith. Kieron Rodgers (2 for 11) had the best return for Bridge. Rodgers (26) and Steve Crowder (41 not out) then ensured Bridge's victory.

Thirsk's batsmen were in form when they took first innings against Alne. Matthew Cressey (45) and Glen Palliser (33) lifted them to 116 for 4 with Eddie Myers claiming 2 for 30 for the visitors. Alne replied with 90 for 9, only Chris Knowles (21) making any progress. Mark Wainwright bowled an excellent spell to return 5 for 19.

Newburgh had a battling win when they entertained old rivals Sessay. George Pierse made 34 and did most to help them to 82 for 9. Chris Till (25) and Richard Ormston (39) seemed to have done enough to set up a Sessay victory, but Newburgh battled to the end and thanks to the efforts of Neil Lawson (3 for 17), Mark Redhead (2 for 12) and Chris Fort (2 for 3) completed a two-run triumph.

There was a run feast at Huby where Helperby were the visitors. Tom Piercy (65), Chris Cundall (59 not out) and Mike South (32) were all in form as Huby made 177 for 2, the highest innings total this term.

Raskelf had a thrilling one-run win at Crayke. Ross Hardy made 39 not out and Steven Raper 22 as Raskelf totalled 123 for 4.

Peter Carr (46) and Graeme Dawson (37) seemed to have put Crayke on the winning road, starting the last over at 121 for 5. But due to the efforts of Keith Hutchinson (3 for 12) they could add only one more run and closed on 122 for 8.

Updated: 12:50 Thursday, July 05, 2001