Helperby’s tilt at the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League title was maintained with a win over relegation-threatened Dringhouses.

Peter Orton’s 46 gave them a good start and further contributions from Ross McKenzie (30) and George Swiers (20) took them to 135-6, while David Brown (3-18) and Tim Wills (2-21) excelled with the ball for Dringhouses.

Dan Marston and Joe Corner then took early wickets for Helperby before John Patrick weighed in with 42 and Brown 35 to put their side in with a chance.

However, the reply closed on 114-6, Corner finishing with 3-20 and Marston 2-5.

Sessay moved back to the top after narrowly defeating Alne.

Consistent scoring from Nick Thorne (34), Matthew Wass (25), Luke Ramsay (36) and Chris Till (29) took them to 146-4, Tosh Raper claiming 2-34 for Alne.

The reply came exclusively from openers Nick Johnston and James Belli, who at the half-way point had taken the score to 51, leaving almost 100 needed from the last ten overs.

They upped the scoring rate and the last over arrived with 16 needed, but Sessay just held on as the Alne reply closed on 141 – six shy of victory, with Belli 84 not out and Johnston 48no.

Easingwold won the top of the table second division clash at Sheriff Hutton.

Batting first, they posted 141-2 with a half-century from Dan Copeland, 33no from Kyle Waite and 21 from Andrew Metcalfe.

Sheriff’s reply closed 40 runs short on 102-5, their best efforts coming from Richard Reynolds with 38 and Richard Ainley with 28. George Elliot took 2-16 for the winners.

Acomb kept their promotion hopes very much alive with a convincing win over Stillington.

They rattled up 173-2, with Joe Dale (47), Dan Littlewood (50 retired), Martin Pepper (43) and Aiden Burton (18no) in form.

Stillington’s reply was swept aside by Christian Burton (2-12), Harry Littlewood (2-12), Jack Woodworth (2-18) and Fred Littlewood (2-2) as they were bowled out for 52. Only Oliver Everard (18no) put up any real resistance.

New Earswick kept in touch with the leaders when they won at Civil Service.

Marcus Johnson (55 ret) top-scored in 141-8, Chris Lowen returning 3-40.

The home reply was given hope by Phil Northing (33) and Chris Lowen (37no), but John Routledge’s 4-9 saw the home reply fall at 115-9.

Crayke lost at Rowntrees and Huntington. Jack Hugill (50 ret) set up their 137-6, Sam Peel taking 2-24 for Crayke.

Peel made 34, but Steve Beales (2-12) and Steve Aldous (3-3) held sway.