ALNE have been relegated from the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League first division - despite drawing level on points with Sheriff Hutton Bridge.

They lost out by virtue of the tie-break calculation where the average runs per wicket scored over the season is divided by the average runs per wicket conceded.

By the same token, Civil Service took the second promotion spot in division two, finishing above Helperby, who had drawn level with them by becoming the first team to beat Stillington this season.

Thirsk clinched runners-up spot in division one with a narrow win at Sheriff Hutton Bridge. John Cook (38) and J Howe (30) took them to 120-8 against Andrew Senior (3-18). Ian Clish (33) led Bridge's reply, but Dean Bramley's 4-28 tipped the balance Thirsk's way.

Alne continued their late surge with victory at Sheriff Hutton. James Faith top-scored for Sheriff with 28 against Tom Ryder (2-25) and Fran Raper (2-22). Richard Armitage put Sheriff on top with 4-15, but Raper held firm with 42no. Steve Raper (23no) took Alne to victory at 99-5.

In division two, Helperby made 139-5 against Stilling-ton, Joss Spillman hitting 60no and John Tuley 33, while Wayne Linton took 2-15 and Jack Plowman 2-24. Chris Borwell made 52no in reply but Stillington's innings closed on 118-5.

Clifton Alliance knew victory at Raskelf would secure the second promotion spot - but they didn't get it. Raskelf made 119-9 against R Thorpe (3-16) and P Malloch (3-33) thanks to James Metcalfe (31) and Danny Seaton (26). Alliance replied with 89-2, T Close unbeaten on 59.

Updated: 10:53 Wednesday, August 10, 2005