SESSAY wrapped up the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League championship with two games to spare after beating challengers Newburgh.

Newburgh made 101-5 with James Banks (21), Tom Banks (28) and Ben Walker (22no) among the runs. Tommy Kay got Sessay's innings off to a good start with 26, but wickets then fell to John Thornton (2-13) and Richard Featherstone (2-18) and it needed Dave Johnson's unbeaten 34 to see Sessay home at 104-4.

Sheriff Hutton continued their improved form with victory at Sheriff Hutton Bridge and are now clear of relegation while Bridge need a point to ensure their safety.

P Finney made 69 and Craig Dodsworth 47 as they posted 140-5, Danny Foxton being the pick of the Bridge bowlers with 3-30. Bridge replied with 99-8.

Alne kept alive their slim hopes of avoiding the drop with victory at Thirsk, who set 123-6, Simon Schwerdt making 37, Dean Bramley 25 and Huw Williams 23no. Alex Buteux (39), P Platt (25) and Tom Ryder (30no) led Alne's winning reply of 124-4.

Crayke's plight became more desperate after a home defeat against Easingwold despite Peter Carr making 67 and Eric Watson an unbeaten 36 in a total of 119-3. Andrew Dawson claimed 2-16 against his old team and Easingwold completed victory at 123-3 with Paul Skilbeck making 44, Tommy Langstaff 23, Tom Copeland 22no and Andrew Dawson a quick-fire 21no.

In the second division, Civil Service kept alive their promotion hopes with a comfortable victory over Helperby.

The York-based side totalled 140-5, P Brereton top-scoring with 61 and C Mackinnon making 33. Helperby's reply never threatened and struggled to 79-7.

Clifton Alliance's challenge suffered a setback with defeat by Rowntrees.

Matthew Knowles (53no) and Tom Malloch (52no) seemed to have put Alliance in a strong position by taking them to 143-2. Rowntrees made a spirited reply, and, led by Chris Todd's 45, won at 144-5.

Raskelf won for only the second time this season when they beat Huby.

Paul Doy (48) and Jamie Metcalfe (20) did most to take them to 133-8 despite Tim Little (3-20) and Hugh Shedden (4-37) getting among the wickets.

Huby were shot out for 88 with Danny Seaton (2-11) and Chris Brown (4-16) doing the bulk of the damage.

Updated: 10:41 Wednesday, July 27, 2005