THIRSK now head division one of the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League after Helperby’s fall at improving Clifton Alliance.

At home to Alne, Thirsk posted a formidable 168-5 with Stuart Christon making 79. Tom Ryder (2-30) and Lewis Cox (2-22) had the best returns for Alne.

The visitors’ reply was based on an unbeaten 88 from James Belli, backed by Ryder’s 24, but Ben Elders took 2-22 and Alne fell short on 157-5.

Dringhouses lost at home to Sheriff Hutton Bridge.

Dave Brown (26), Lewis Chipchase (45) and Alex Dale (38no) helped them to 119-3, but the innings was kept in check by Dan Clipstone (2-22).

Bridge openers Danny Kiernan and Mark Fisher put on 82 and, although Kiernan was out for 33 and Fisher for 51 as Lewis Chipchase (2-23) hit back, Murray Coyle (15no) and David Speake (13no) took Bridge to the points at 121-3.

Clifton Alliance continued their climb when they dented Helperby’s challenge with a nine-wicket win.

Lane Tutty (39), Mark Spilman (29) and Ross McKenzie (28) were to the fore in Helperby’s 123-4, but Alliance had little difficulty after a sound start by Jason Gatus (26) and Joe Ashdown (59no). Nick Hindle also made 37no as Clifton won at 127-1 with three overs in hand.

Acomb still retain an interest in promotion from division two after downing Rowntrees & Huntington by three wickets.

Rowntrees & Huntington were all out for 93, their top scorers being Ryan White with 22 and Jason Halliwell with 24, while Adam Stroughair led the Acomb attack with a return of 5-23, with support from Martin Pepper (2-19) and Jack Woodworth (2-12).

Rowntrees & Huntington hit back through Sam Beales (2-29), Dan Waterworth (2-20) and Jack Hugill (2-13) but Acomb opener Dan Littlewood held the home innings together with an unbeaten 27. Support from Matt Dale (17) and Rob Sanderson (16) saw them home in the last over.