NEWBURGH stayed one point ahead of Sheriff Hutton Bridge at the top of Pilmoor Evening Cricket League division one after beating Thirsk, whose position at the foot of the table is looking increasingly perilous.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge beat Dringhouses by six wickets to end any realistic hopes the York side had of mounting a title challenge.

Thirsk, conceding ground advantage because of the races, were restricted to 85-6 after taking first knock with J Good making 36. Josh Sargent (2-10) was the pick of the attack.

Newburgh's reply was again based on a contribution from opener Mark Mierzwinski (32 not out), support coming from Tommy Banks (19) and Josh Sargent (24no) as they won by eight wickets in the 15th over.

At Dringhouses, the hosts were indebted to a fine unbeaten 56 from Murray Coyle as they reached 108-8, Dan Clipston taking 3-16 and Nadeem Shefta 2-20.

Harry Sutcliffe (46no) shone in the reply as SHB took the points in the 16th over, Paul Scaling (25) having got things moving. George Wilson’s 2-15 went unrewarded.

Sessay’s improvement continued when they easily overcame visitors Acomb. Tidy bowling kept Acomb to 82-5, Dan Littlewood making 27 and Jonny Rawsthorne 19, before Tom Wilkinson led the Sessay reply with 52 not out. Paul Flintoff lent support with 24 and Sessay reached 83-1 in the 10th over.

A consistent batting performance saw Helperby reach 127-3 against Clifton Alliance, led by Lewis Rees-Hughes (44no), Luke Fletcher (25no) and Dan Spink (28).

J Hawthorne took 2-17, but his efforts turned out to be in vain as Clifton struggled to 87-8 with only Nick Hindle (28) threatening a challenge. Dan Marston (2-11) and Will Sowray (2-8) were the most successful home bowlers.

Huby kept up their challenge for promotion in division two with a comfortable win over Alne.

C Allot (53 ret) and Thomas Piercy (39no) contributed most to their 188-7, and although S Lupton made 52 retired in Alne's reply, Sean Dixon (2-10) and Thomas Piercy (2-15) made sure the home total was never challenged.

Raskelf also kept up the pace, but their victory over Crayke was more hard-earned after a thrilling finish.

Raskelf were held to 90-3, Sam Porter making 28 and Harry Ellis 33 not out.

Crayke lost wickets regularly to Jake Petty, Chris Brown (3-19) and Toby Baker (3-17), but James Pocklington kept them in the hunt, making 21 and the last over arrived with the score on 84-8.

Crayke lost a ninth wicket to a run-out and, with two needed from the final delivery, Petty (3-19) bowled the last man to claim the narrowest of victories.

Sheriff Hutton won their derby at Stillington.

Sheriff made 139-4, Joe Schofield and Andy Frank both retiring on 52.

Simon Kirkham returned 3-20 for Stillington, whose reply included 36 from Josh Moate and 21 from M Hollit, but closed on 97-5 with Jack Rushworth taking 2-25.

Rowntrees & Huntington made 110-4 at Easingwold with the consistent Josh de Silva hitting 40 not out and Steve Beales 27 not out. Easingwold won by nine wickets in only 12 overs, Aubrey Towler (24) the only wicket to fall as Max Cosgrove crached 52 retired and Zac Wilson 29 not out.