Newburgh set themselves up for a strong second half challenge on the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League first division title with a nine-wicket win at Thirsk.

The home batting collapsed to Jason Sargent (4-23) and Tom Banks (4-10), and were all out for 60. Newburgh lost an early wicket, but James Banks (26no) and Rob Proudley (27no) took them to 61-1.

Sessay took the lead with a win at relegation-threatened Alne. Aussie Dave Johnson got the Sessay innings off to a flying start with 64, Chris Till made 38 and Tommy Kay 34. Tom Ryder (2-20) and James Kenny (2-10) brought Alne back into the game, but Sessay still posted 181-5.

In reply, Alne threatened to pull off an unlikely victory with James Kenny (64) and Chris Beaumont (37). But Sessay applied the brakes just in time and Alne closed on 154-4, Nick Harrison (2-25) having the best return.

Easingwold had to work hard for victory at Sheriff Hutton. P Finney made an unbeaten 75 as the hosts reached 122-3. When Easingwold replied, R Coverdale with 3-36 made inroads into their batting, but Richard Jones (38) and Paul Skilbeck (37no) did enough to ensure Easingwold were victorious at 125-6.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge had a big win over struggling Crayke. Ian Clish made 38 before an unbroken partnership between David Coverdale (50no) and Darren Dunning (33no) took them to 176-3.

Crayke were never in the hunt, and although Peter Carr batted well to make 43, he had little support and the innings closed on 79-7.

Stillington tightened their grip on the second division with an easy victory over neighbours Huby. Sean Speck (43) and Chris Borwell (39) helped them to 135-7, Dan Grainger (2-18) and Tom Piercy (2-13) having the best returns for Huby. Although Piercy then made 31, Huby closed in arrears at 90-7 with A Pattison returning 2-17 and Borwell 2-12.

Clifton Alliance beat Civil Service to strengthen their hold on second place. Batting first, they made 128-4, Alan Barton the star with 38. Knowles then bowled Alliance to victory with 6-18, as Service were all out for 98.

Rowntree had a welcome first win when they posted 135-6 against Helperby, Chris Todd (38no) and Tony Thomson (29no), Hames Hardy nabbing 3-18. Peter Orton then led Helperby's reply with 60, but 14-year-old Sam Bibby kept Rowntrees in the hunt by claiming 4-27, and skipper Tim Wills backed him with 3-18. John Patrick, another youngster, bagged three catches near the end to restrict Helperby to 131-9.

Updated: 11:47 Wednesday, June 29, 2005