CLIFTON Alliance trimmed Thirsk’s lead to two points in division one after another rain-hit round of Pilmoor Evening Cricket League fixtures.

Alliance posted an imposing total of 176-1 against Sheriff Hutton Bridge, with openers Nick Hindle (77) and John Gilham (69no) sharing a partnership of 157.

Mark Fisher (46) and Josh Cockerill (23) led the Bridge reply, but Dave Friend took 4-17 and Bridge closed on 130-8.

Thirsk dropped a point when their fixture at Crayke was washed out.

Newburgh batted first at Sessay and Rob Proudley made 33 and Charles Ramsay 24 of their 85-7, while Mark Jackson took 4-23 from his five overs.

Joseph Watson (27no), Matthew Wass (36) and Nick Thorne (24no) helped Sessay to 91-2 in the 12th over.

Easingwold now head division two after winning at Rowntrees.

Josh Greenlay (42) and Mark Mierzwinski (21) were top-scorers in their 139-6 as Sam Gall took 2-21 and Peter Edmondson 2-40. Chris Todd (30) and Steve Burdett (49no) carried Rowntrees to 128-4, while Max Cosgrove then claimed 3-23.

Sheriff Hutton stepped up their promotion bid with a win over Civil Service.

Service’s 113-8 included 30 by Peter Noble and 23 from James Chisholm against Eddie Hull’s 3-4.

Hull then made 50 retired to set up his side’s win, which was completed at 114-3 with Joe Schofield unbeaten on 25. Phil Northing took 2-18 for Service.