EASINGWOLD moved to the top of the Hunters York & District Senior Cricket League's premier division with a comprehensive victory over York.

And newly-promoted Sessay continued their unbeaten start to claim second spot – despite being held to a draw at home by Heworth.

Former leaders Clifton Alliance suffered a surprise defeat, losing to bottom club Goole Town by two wickets.

Richard Mann (4-61) and David England (4-25) combined to bowl out the visitors for 156, of which Scott Hopkinson contributed 42.

In reply, James Kerr (33no) and Anthony Gibbins (32) both made valuable contributions as, despite wickets from Alex Renton (4-21), the visitors lost for the first time this season.

Stephen Piercy was on top form for new leaders Easingwold – first taking 4-45 as York, for who Rob Flack made 39, were all out for 199.

And then following up with 41 before Kyle Waite (61no) and Matthew Turnbull (43no), who only re-signed from their opponents this week, both finished unbeaten as the hosts reached their target with almost 17 overs to spare.

Sessay continued their impressive start to life in the top flight, taking the lion’s share of the points against visitors Heworth.

Jacob Spence (77) top scored for the hosts, as Chris Gartland took 3-60 in a total of 218-7.

Ian Lynch replied with 73 and an unbeaten 41 from Salman Syed helped the visitors to reach 172-7, and a share of the points, despite four wickets from Liam Carver (4-53).

Bolton Percy’s first victory was an impressive 128-run defeat of Hull Zingari, with Tom Atkinson providing an excellent individual contribution of 45 followed by figures of 5-29.

The hosts posted 271-9, with Danny White, like Atkinson contributing 45 to a fine batting display. Matthew Bunn (4-82) took four wickets for the visitors. Matthew Wilkinson became the third batsman to reach 45 but his was the only highlight in a reply of 143.

Studley Royal won for the third time in four matches, their latest success coming by 41 runs at Beverley Town.

Rob Mackle (60) top-scored in the visitor’s total of 215-9, Jamie Roe finishing with 3-51 before going on to make an unbeaten 47 but his efforts and those of David Whitelock (44) went unrewarded as William Wray (3-42) helped bowl out the hosts for 174.

Tim Whincup (5-52) and Kieran Bowes (4-20) were both in the wickets as Driffield Town were all out for 165 chasing 246 to beat Pickering.

Earlier, Andrew Sharman (88no) had top scored for the home side with Chris Nichols and David Greenlay both contributing 32. Richard Grice made 42 in reply but could not prevent a heavy defeat for the visitors.