THIRSK took over from Acomb at the top of the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League first division.

Thirsk moved into pole position after winning at Sheriff Hutton Bridge, while Acomb lost at home to Newburgh.

Acomb batted first against Newburgh and made 97-9. Several batsmen got a start, as typified by Andy Tute's 19, but no-one went on to play a significant innings as Tom Banks took 5-19.

James Banks then led Newburgh's reply with 54 not out and Newburgh's perfectly paced reply saw them take the points at 101-2.

Thirsk stepped up their challenge with a fine win at Sheriff Hutton Bridge.

Ian Clish (21) and Adam Fisher (24) were the only Bridge batsmen to make any headway against Neil Laidlaw, who took 2-15, and Anthony Elders, who claimed 3-28.

Laidlaw then featured prominently in Thirsk's reply, making 35 not out as Thirsk won at 86-3.

Sessay finally earned their first win when entertaining Alne. The visitors batted first and made 130-3, with Eddie Myers top-scoring with 71, while Jacob Spencer took 2-47 for Sessay. Sessay's winning reply of 131-2 was based on Nick Thorne's unbeaten 65, as Matthew Wass (28) and Dave Johnson (23) lent support.

Clifton Alliance maintained their lead at the top of the second division with a win at Raskelf. Batting first, they were mainly indebted to Jon Gilham (31) and Alastair Wray (24) in their 108-7.

Raskelf struggled in reply and were all out for 62, despite Joe Thornton's 25. P Riley was the destroyer in chief with 6-32.

Sheriff Hutton kept the pressure on Clifton with victory at Civil Service. The hosts were all out for 100, with Graham Purdy making 28, while Sheriff's main bowlers were Gary Humphries (2-19), Richard Coverdale (3-34) and F Land (2-9). Sheriff replied with 103-4.

Helperby batted first at Crayke and had Troy Nolan (89) and Mark Spilman (45) in good form as they made 152-5. Crayke closed on 95-9.