Crayke's relegation from the first division of the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League was confirmed by defeat at Sessay, but Alne, whose plight had seemed similarly hopeless, beat Sheriff Hutton Bridge in an exciting encounter to keep alive their hopes of survival.

At Alne, Sheriff Hutton Bridge took first innings and ran up a seemingly impregnable 191-2. Steve Crowder led the way with an unbeaten 113, while Nick Scaling made 40 and Dave Coverdale 28. Alne's reply was led by Alex Buteux, who made 75 and Chris Beaumont (58), and they were guided to a thrilling last-ball win by Fran Raper's unbeaten 22 in a 194-4 score that was the highest of the season.

Sessay had a comfortable win over Crayke, whose 110-6 included 41 from Peter Carr. Ian Watkinson (2-14) had the best return for Sessay. Mike Megson (38no), Nick Harrison (25) and Tommy Kay (35no) saw Sessay home at 113-1.

Sheriff Hutton's fine run ended at home to Thirsk. Neil Laidlaw, Simon Schwerdt and Mark Wainwright were all in the runs for Thirsk who closed on 126-6. Sheriff's reply was led by Ben Tompkins' 37 and Tom Pringle's 29, but fell short at 108-5.

Stillington confirmed their superiority in the second division with a narrow victory over Civil Service who will now have to wait for next week's results to see if they have won promotion in their first season. M Bradley (32) and S Desborough (20 not out) helped them to 105-6, Jack Plowman (2-14) and Jack Brendorffer (2-29) doing well for Stillington. Against A Tessier (3-9), Bradley (2-31) and B Prince (2-16), Stillington struggled until John Milburn's unbeaten 20 took them to 106-8.

Clifton Alliance kept alive their promotion hopes by beating Huby. Huby batted first and made 112-6, Hugh Shedden (36) and Tim Little (28) leading the way, while P Malloch took 4-24. Johnny Stevens took charge of the Clifton reply with an unbeaten 69, and although Little claimed 3-21, Alliance took the points at 113-6.

Updated: 10:44 Monday, August 01, 2005