EASINGWOLD lost their first game of the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League season when they went down by 43 runs to Thirsk in the first division.

Although Gavin Rees bowled tidily for the hosts, Mark Cook (25), Dean Bramley (69no) and Simon Schwerdt (40no) took Thirsk to a formidable 151-1.

Paul Skilbeck was always going to be Easingwold's best hope of victory and he gave them reason for optimism with 52, but of the remaining batsmen only Dan Copeland (21) threatened briefly and the innings fell away to 108-9 in fading light. Neil Laidlaw (3-16) bowled well for Thirsk, while Bramley (2-12) and Schwerdt (2-15) completed fine all-round performances.

Sessay cruised to victory over Sheriff Hutton to go top - their third win on the bounce.

A Hull (48) and R Ashley (21no) helped Sheriff to 98-4 but Tommy Kay led Sessay's reply with 63 and they comfortably took the points at 104-2.

Crayke's Peter Carr made 34 and Dave Allitt 38 as they reached 104-4 against Alne, whose Keith Hutchinson claimed 2-19. Alne's reply fell short at 83-6.

Newburgh moved into a challenging position with a fine win over Sheriff Hutton Bridge.

The Banks brothers shared an opening partnership of 89 before Tom fell for 20. James went on to make 87, including 12 fours and a six, as Newburgh closed on 124-4. A Fisher led Bridge's reply with 39, but Andrew Chandler (2-14) and Tom Banks (2-31) saw Bridge closed on 109-6.

Second division leaders Stillington had a thrilling win at Rowntrees, whose Richard Tuite seemed to have put his team in control when he hit an unbeaten 94, which included 14 fours and a six.

With Chris Todd (41) supporting, the hosts posted 139-2. S Speck made 28 as Stillington replied while Tim Wills (2-21) and Ian Bews (3-28) were successful for Rowntrees. But Gary Goodwin (41no) steered Stillington to victory at 140- 8 with one ball to spare.

Civil Service recorded their first ever win in the competition with a seven-wicket victory at Huby, whose Tom Piercy (47) top-scored in their 99-4.

G Purdie's unbeaten 56 ensured that the league newcomers were victorious at 100-3.

Helperby moved into second place after coming out on top in a close match at Raskelf. Helperby made 78-6 with Joe Thornton returning 3-15 for the hosts. Raskelf also found runs hard to get and were restricted to 70-7.

Updated: 11:16 Wednesday, May 25, 2005