THIRSK have been crowned division one champions in the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League , with Alne clinching the division two title.

Victory at Dringhouses was enough for Thirsk to retain the championship as nearest challengers Clifton Alliance lost at home to Newburgh.

Dringhouses’ John Patrick made 28 and Danny Snaith 25, but the home effort reached only 78-4 as Harry Consett took 2-15.

Liam McKendry led the Thirsk reply with an unbeaten 38 as they won by seven wickets.

Newburgh’s win at Clifton Alliance moved them off the bottom of the table, and Crayke, narrowly beaten at home by Helperby, are the favourites to go down with one round of fixtures remaining.

Newburgh had their best result of the season when they beat hosts Clifton Alliance by 35 runs.

A century opening partnership between Tom Banks, who made 63, and Rob Proudley, who was 49 not out, set up their 149-3.

Nick Hindle (42) and Jason Gatus (21) threatened for Alliance, but Jason Sargent (2-20) and Charles Ramsay (2-32) ensured Newburgh took the spoils.

Crayke batted first at home to Helperby and only Chris Jones (10) reached double figures as they closed on 54-6 against George Swiers (3-14).

Crayke’s John Dey claimed 3-20 and Liam Leckenby 4-15 as Helperby slipped to 40-8 before Luis Hughes hit an unbeaten 13 to seal victory at 55-8.

Alne beat rivals Acomb in division two and Easingwold’s defeat at Huby handed them the title.

Acomb were held to 93-8 by Adam Keighley (2-25) and Toby Stirk (4-20), with Rob Sanderson making 33.

Nick Johnson led Alne to a seven-wicket win with 50 retired.

Easingwold made 95-8 against Huby’s Hugh Shedden (4-18) and Oliver Lawrence (4-25). Steven Piercy then made 35 to help seal a five-wicket win with an over to spare.

Division’s two bottom sides met at Civil Service, where the hosts tied with Rowntrees. Steve Burdett hit 50 retired for Rowntrees.