CLIFTON Alliance put down a marker in the latest round of fixtures in the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League.

The York side won convincingly at Sessay in their top-of-the-table showdown, while Sheriff Hutton Bridge’s chances also took a knock when they were beaten at Dringhouses.

Clifton now head the division by two points although SHB have a game in hand.

Sessay batted first when they entertained Clifton Alliance and made a decent enough 136-5.

Mark Jackson (37) got them off to a good start and Joe Watson made 49 before being one of two victims for Sam Grant (2-22) in the last over.

Clifton’s reply got off to a rapid start despite the loss of a wicket in the fifth over, and although Stephen Langstaff pegged them back with a tidy but wicketless spell, conceding 20 runs from his five overs, Nic Hindle’s fine unbeaten 70, and Tom O’Connor’s supporting 33 not out, saw Clifton home at 137-1 in the 19th over.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge batted first at Dringhouses and Harry Sutcliffe (46) and M Thompson (42) were largely responsible for their 130-5, James Evans returning 2-22.

Sam Lingard led the home reply with 69 before being brilliantly run out, with Paul Milner (33no) seeing the hosts home at 131-4 in the 19th over, despite J Judge’s 2-21.

Easingwold's winless run continued at home to Newburgh.

Dan Copeland (40), Sean Dixon (35no) and Sheraz Kasi (22no) all contributed to their 133-4, but their attack found Newburgh opener James Banks (70no) in fine form and, with support coming from Mark Mierzwinski (25) and Luke Ramsay (25no), the visitors reached 134-1.

Division two leaders Thirsk opened a three-point lead as they were handed the points by Rowntrees & Huntington while closest rivals Sheriff Hutton lost at home to Raskelf by 34 runs.

Harry Ellis (34), Richard Brown (32) and Lindon Giuffrida (32) helped Raskelf to 130-5, Josh Moate returning 2-18 for Sheriff.

The hosts were all out for 96, Joe Schofield top-scoring with 27 while Toby Baker took the bowling honours with 5-34.

Crayke batted first when they entertained Alne. Their young side found the going tough against G Stevens (2-16) and Brad Hinchcliffe (3-12) and it was the experience of Graeme Dawson (30no), who came in at the fall of the third wicket, which saw the hosts to 75 all out, with support from Ian Pears (17).

Hinchcliffe then made 22 as Alne raced to victory in the 10th over despite a tidy spell by James Pocklington, who took 1-7 from four overs.

Rowntrees & Huntington were unable to raise a side to travel to Thirsk.