Sheriff Hutton Bridge drew level with Thirsk at the top of the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League first division after defeating the erstwhile leaders by seven wickets.

Newburgh moved into third place with victory at Sessay, while at the foot of the table Huby took their first points of the season after struggling Rowntrees were again unable to field a side.

In the second division, Alne beat luckless Raskelf to maintain a two-point lead over Helperby, who won narrowly at Sheriff Hutton. Clifton Alliance remained in contention after defeating Stillington.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge were comfortable winners of the top-of-

the-table clash with Thirsk.

Thirsk batted first and made 118-9, with only Dean Bramley (23) and Nathan Bell (25) making any real progress against Andrew Senior (3-25) and Harry Pashby (3-8). Bridge took the points at 119-3 with Geoff Schofield making 36no, Duncan Snell 35 and Graham Oxley 29no.

Newburgh moved into a challenging position with a 12-run win at Sessay. James Banks and Andrew Chandler each made 20 as the visitors reached 108-8. James Easton (2-21), Matthew Till (3-27) and Keith Till (2-29) all had decent returns for Sessay, whose reply was rocked by an early burst for Andrew Chandler, who took 4-7 in a five-over spell. Sessay never really recovered and although Joseph Joyce made 20, they closed on 96-9 with Paul Doy taking 2-22 and T Banks 2-17.

Easingwold had an easy victory over an under-strength Crayke side who batted first and were all out for 71, Darren Powell taking 2-14, Tommy Langstaff 2-17 and Dan Copeland 3-4. Gavin Rees (40no) and Andrew Metcalfe (28no) then took Easingwold to victory at 74-0 in less than ten overs.

In the second division, Alne got back to winning ways with victory at Raskelf, who have yet to register a point. Chris Beaumont (29) and Fran Raper (63) helped them to 134-3, and although Alan Hunton (41no) battled hard for Raskelf, there was little support and Raskelf closed on 83-7, Dan Raper (2-15) and Tom Ryder having the best returns for Alne.

Helperby won a closely-fought encounter when they made the journey to Sheriff Hutton.

Mark Spilman (25) and John Tuley (23no) lifted them to 104-5, Tony Hull (3-36) having most success with the ball.

Andy Frank (28) top-scored in reply but the hosts lost wickets regularly to Nick Buchanan (2-22), G Taylor (2-26) and M Wass (3-12) and closed just short on 97-9.

Clifton Alliance had a comfortable win over Stillington. S Corley made an unbeaten 75 as Clifton reached 150-4, while Stillington's reply was held in check at 103-8. Matthew Coulson top scored with 21, while Graham Wray (3-9) was by far the most successful Alliance bowler.

Updated: 11:24 Tuesday, June 15, 2004