Sessay have now taken a clear lead at the top of the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League first division after their fourth straight win.

The closest game was at Thirsk, where Helperby opening batsman James Hardy played the innings of the match.

Hardy made 75 before being out in the last over and provided the bulk of his side’s 121-7, his colleagues struggling somewhat against Ben England (3-30), Kieran Fenwick (2-19) and John Cook (2-11).

Thirsk’s reply was led by James Wilkinson with 42 and Mark Cook with 32, while Joe Corner (3-32) and Geoff MacFarlane (2-30) chipped away at the home batting.

Thirsk looked favourites to take their points when they needed 11 from the last two overs, but a tight penultimate over left them still needing ten and this proved just too much as they closed on 118-7.

Sessay took advantage of Thirsk’s slip with a comfortable win over visiting Sheriff Hutton Bridge. Chris Till with 75 and Matthew Wass with 39 gave them a fine start with an opening stand of 118, and they closed on 135-4 with Paul Scaling taking 2-9 for Bridge. Scaling was then the only Bridge batsman to show any form, making 37 as the visitors struggled to 75-8 with Joseph Watson taking 2-10 for Sessay.

Second division pacesetters Dringhouses beat Huby, whose 115-6 included 48 from Steven Piercy, while Lewis Chipchase (2-12) and Tom Storr (2-19) had decent returns for the hosts.

Dringhouses’ batsmen were in fine form with significant contributions from Tom Owen, who made 29 before retiring hurt, Sam Lingard (28), Danny Snaith (30no) and Chris Storey (25no) as they reached 116 for the loss of one wicket.