SESSAY opened up a three-point lead at the top of division one in the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League as they beat Helperby and rivals Newburgh lost to Thirsk.

Sessay batted first at Helperby and were in early difficulty against Joe Corner (3-26), but Chris Cowton (26) and Chris Till (19) helped them to 92-8.

The home reply also struggled against James Easton (2-19) and Stephen Langstaff (2-14), and they failed to get the four they needed off the last ball to close on 89-7 with George Swiers unbeaten on 31.

Newburgh’s James Banks hit 48 not out in their 119-5 against Thirsk. Harry Consett (26), Ryan McKendry (32) and Ben England (26no) saw Thirsk home by three wickets with nine balls to spare, despite Jason Sargent’s 3-32.

Alne eased their relegation fears with a victory over struggling Dringhouses.

Eddie Myers (72) and James Belli (58) set up their 180-6 and, once Toby Stirke pegged back the reply with 3-6 from five overs, the result was never in doubt as Dringhouses closed on 107-5.

Clifton Alliance took the points at Sheriff Hutton Bridge. J Harrison (53) and W Scoley (62) helped Clifton to 144-4, with 100 runs coming in the second half of the innings. Mark Fisher took 2-13 for the Bridge and then made 28 as he and Dan Kiernan (45) gave the reply a good start. Dave Friend’s 5-32 proved decisive as Bridge closed on 132-6, with Alex Snowball unbeaten on 30.

Easingwold stayed top of division two with a win at Huby.

Kyle Waite (55 retired) and Paul Skilbeck (53 ret) took the leaders to 165-3, and Huby closed on 148-8 thanks to Steven Piercy (50 ret) and Edward Buck (29).

Sheriff Hutton kept up the pressure with an easy win over Stillington. Mark Aconley made 23 in Stillington’s 62-5. Sheriff took only seven overs to reach 63-1 as Joe Schofield made 41 not out.

Civil Service posted 157-6 at Acomb thanks to Chris Lowen (52 ret). Matt Dale (52 ret), Joe Dale (52 ret) and Fred Littlewood (22no) sealed an eight-wicket win.

Raskelf’s M Goodard made 51 retired as they reached 126-8 against Crayke, whose opener Graeme Dawson hit 43 as they closed on 88-9.