CHAMPIONS Thirsk opened their defence of the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League division one title with a victory over Newburgh.

The highest scoring match of the opening round of fixtures saw Thirsk’s in-form batsman Liam McKendry make 48 and Ben England hit 62 not out to help them post a formidable 159-5.

Newburgh reached a creditable 125-3, with Rob Proudley making 67.

Promoted Helperby began their season by bowling Sessay out for 84.

Jacob Spencer top-scored with 24, while John Tuley took 4-12 and Will Cupit claimed 4-27 for the hosts.

Helperby closed on 78-7, with Joe Kinsella hitting 19 not out while Richard Till took 3-7 and Liam Carver 3-20.

Clifton Alliance made only 76-6 at Easingwold, and the hosts romped to 77-2 in 11 overs, with Dan Copeland making 48 and Martin Piercy 19 not out.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge won comfortably at home to Acomb.

The visitors batted first and made 83-7, with Mark Fisher taking 4-15 and Andy Kenny claiming 2-15.

Geoff Schofield and David Speake then took Bridge to the brink of victory before Speake was out for 32. Schofield was unbeaten on 47 as Bridge reached 84-1 with five overs in hand.

In division two, hosts Sheriff Hutton were edged out by Rowntrees.

Sheriff Hutton posted 96-6, Tom Harrison making 25 and 13-year-old David Hull hitting 21 not out.

John Patrick led the Rowntrees reply with 50 before retiring, and they hit a boundary off the last ball to reach a winning 100-3.

Civil Service batted first at Alne and Will Phelps, unbeaten on 49, propelled them to 92-6.

Andy Tessier, Graham Sherlock and Ian Burley all took two wickets as Alne closed one run on 91-7.

Crayke opened their season with a win at Raskelf. Graeme Dawson made 45 as they reached 105-3, then Ian Pocklington took 3-8 as the hosts struggled to 72-7.

Stillington had an eight-wicket win when they visited Huby. Huby made 107-6, but Stillington won comfortably at 108-2.