SESSAY have emerged as the leaders of division one of the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League as the season approaches the half way point.

Their victory over Acomb, and Helperby's first defeat of the campaign, sent them soaring to the summit while, at the foot of the table, Alne and Sheriff Hutton are still in search of their first win.

Sessay saw off Acomb by 48 runs. Their 166-5 was built around opener Nick Thorne's 88, from 62 balls with nine fours and two sixes, while Matthew Wass supported with 37.

Jonny Scaling, who finished with 2-39, took two early Acomb wickets but, although they rallied through Freddie Littlewood, who made 50 not out, and Joe Dale with 20, they closed well behind on 118-6.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge are moving through the gears after a slow start to the season and had a convincing win over Helperby.

Mark Fisher’s 86 was the cornerstone of their 164-4, with Danny Kiernan making 19, while Matt Cavanagh took 2-35 for Helperby. The home reply saw Atish Chouhan make 21, Charlie Grassby 33 and George Swiers 25 but early wickets from Dan Clipstone, who finished with 4-20, and Arthur Campion’s 2-22, left the hosts on 106-9.

Sheriff Hutton’s poor start to the season continued when they lost at home to Newburgh. Their batting failed to function against Tom Banks (2-16) and the Sargent father and son combination - Jason claiming 2-24 and Josh 2-20. The Newburgh reply was led by Mark Mierzwinski, who made 31, and Tom Banks (23) as they reached 93-3 with more than two overs in hand.

Alne are still looking for their first win after being beaten by Thirsk.

They put the hosts in to bat and took two early wickets but Joe Caine (34) and Keiran Fenwick (32) brought about a recovery before a quick fire 38 from John Owen lifted them to 152-5. Alne’s reply never had any real momentum and closed on 102-7.

There is a three way tie at the top of the second division. Clifton Alliance's defeat, in a high scoring encounter at home to Dringhouses, means they are now level with Rowntrees & Huntington and Dringhouses.

Dringhouses' 140-4 saw Tom Owen hit 53 before retiring, while Zac Loveley took 3-14 for Alliance.

Clifton responded well through Jason Gatus (50no), Nick Hindle (37) and Jake Atkinson (25), but Tom Storr took 2-27 and Mick Kenyon 3-4 to ensure that the home reply closed adrift on 124-9.

Rowntrees and Huntington also share top spot after a big win over Civil Service. They batted first and made 142-4, Rob Stevens striking 54 (ret) and Richard Shaw 28 not out

Stevens then starred with the ball in taking 3-11, while Tom Frane took 2-8 and Mark Keyworth 3-20 as Civil Service were dismissed for 64.

Crayke recorded their second victory of the campaign when they won at Raskelf. The home side struggled to 67-9 with Crayke’s youngsters James Pocklington (4-17) and Leo Hutchinson (2-13) taking the bowling honours. Sam Peel led the Crayke reply with 29 and they took the points at 68-3 in the 12th over.

Easingwold and Huby shared the season's first tie.