ONLY one point separates the top three sides in division one of the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League after Thirsk's defeat at the hands of Sessay.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge are now joint leaders with Thirsk after a 36-run triumph at Helperby, with Sessay one point behind.

Danny Kiernan (30), Mark Fisher (38) and Dave Phillips (29) did most to set up Sheriff Hutton Bridge's 151-7, with home bowlers Lewis Rees-Hughes (3-19) and Atish Chouhan (3-26) giving their side hope.

Rees-Hughes then hit 42 and Joss Spilman added 27, but Jordan Grose (2-17) and Adam Fisher (3-12) ensured Bridge came out on top as Helperby closed on 115-9.

Sessay stepped up their challenge with a seven-wicket win at Thirsk. Thirsk were restricted to 84-8 as Tom Wilkinson (3-24) made early inroads. Although James Wilkinson responded with 28, Stephen Langstaff claimed 3-14.

Matthew Wass (40) and Stuart Peirse (27) took Sessay well on their way to victory at 85-3 after only 11 overs.

Sheriff Hutton ended a winless streak and any fears that they might slip into danger with a convincing ten-wicket home victory over Alne.

Luke Vincent made 33 and Eddie Myers 23 as Alne took first innings, but Rich Ainley (4-19) and David Hull (2-18) chipped away and the innings closed on 91-6.

Openers Geoff Schofield (51no) and Andy Frank (42no) raced to 95 without loss in the tenth over.

Alne now share bottom spot with Clifton Alliance, who picked up a point when their home fixture with Newburgh was abandoned at the half way stage.

Newburgh batted first and made 97-8, James Banks top scoring with 47. David Scaife (3-23), Joe Kilvington (2-21) and Will Scholey (2-4) shared the honours before heavy rain ended proceedings.

In division two, Acomb's Martin Pepper (50 ret), Joe Dale (32no) and Haydn Burton (27) set up a competitive 134-4 at Dringhouses, with Mick Kenyon taking 2-20.

Rain prevented the start of the Dringhouses reply.

Raskelf posted 112-7 at Easingwold thanks to Matthew Goddard's 47 and Richard Brown's 18. Tommy Langstaff took 2-23 for the hosts.

Andrew Metcalfe (21), Ronnie Alexander (19) and Tom Cosgrove (21) were unable to get Easingwold home as they closed ten runs short.

Josh Summerscales (2-23), Gavin Lowe (2-29), Sam Porter (2-27) and Angus Taylor (2-11) emerged as Raskelf's match-winners.

New Earswick conceded again, this time to Huby, before announcing later in the week that they were pulling out of the league.