Sessay clinched the Pilmoor Evening League’s first division title when they beat Clifton Alliance to take an unassailable three-point lead into the final round of fixtures.

Visitors Clifton Alliance batted first, making 91-3 against tidy home bowling, Nick Hindle making 26 and Jake Atkinson an accomplished unbeaten 47.

When Sessay replied, Chris Cowton’s 40 got them off to positive start. Although L Clark hit back for Clifton in claiming 2-20, Tim Hall made 15 and Chris Till 12no to see Sessay comfortably home at 92-4 in the 14th over.

Dringhouses’ relegation fears were realised at Thirsk.

The visitors set a competitive 131-3 in which Chris Storey made 74no and Lewis Chipchase 23.

Thirsk were made to work hard in reply, but Mark Nursey made 57 and Mark Cook 24no to secure a last-ball win on 135-4.

In the second division, Easingwold’s promotion hopes suffered a huge blow when they lost at home to Acomb.

Careless run-outs and effective bowling by Adam Stroughair (2-12) and Fred Littlewood (3-6) saw them lose wickets regularly allowing Andrew Metcalfe to return to the crease. He initially retired on 50, and finally remained unbeaten on 59 as Easingwold closed on 139-9.

Aiden Burton, with a half-century, and Joe Dale with 36 led the Acomb reply as dropped catches hampered the efforts of the home bowlers. Although Max Cosgrove took 2-11, Dan Littlewood made 26 no to see Acomb home at 142-2 with nine balls to spare.

Sheriff Hutton took full advantage of Easingwold’s slip to claim top spot with a victory at Civil Service. Sheriff batted first and their 162-6 was due in the main to Joe Schofield (41), John Armitage (30) and Geoff Schofield (53 ret).

The home reply was led by D Dodds with 24 and Chris Lowen with 28, but David Hull (3-25) and Richard Reynolds (3-11) kept Sheriff in the ascendancy as Civil Service were all out for 126. Sheriff now need one win to capture the title.

New Earswick batted first at Stillington and Ollie Everard struck an early blow for the hosts with a wicket in the first over.

But Stillington were put to the sword by Chris Smith (51 ret), Chris Bilton (53 ret) and Adam Hewitson (44).

Late wickets from Joseph Adams, who began with a double wicket maiden on his way to claiming 2-13, and Will Moll with 2-27, gave the Stillington bowlers some reward for their efforts as New Earswick closed on 171-6.

The home reply never threatened the visitors total and closed on 106-4 with Mark Aconley making 24 and Toby Wells 38. Adam Hewitson returned 2-16.