SHERIFF Hutton Bridge remain clear leaders of the Pilmoor Evening League's first division, with a two-point lead over Easingwold.

Bridge posted a resounding victory at home to Newburgh. The visitors posted a reasonable target of 111-3 as Rob Proudley made 24, Stuart Pierse 31no and Tony Fox 28no.

This posed few problems for the home top order as Geoff Schofield made 51 and Steve Crowder an unbeaten 55 in a 113-1 reply.

Easingwold moved into second place with a straightforward win at Stillington. Paul Skilbeck made 82 as they reached 136-5, Wayne Linton (4-40) having the best return for Stillington. The home side's reply faltered to 69-8, D Walker taking 3-13.

Crayke's early season promise faded further as they lost at Thirsk. Graeme Dawson made 51 as they made a more than useful 130-4, Richard Bentley with 2-23 having most success for the hosts.

Australian batsman Gary Kelson dominated Thirsk's reply with an unbeaten 86, Dean Bramley supporting with 27 not out as Thirsk replied with 131-1.

Sessay moved into mid-table when they beat Alne. The vastly experienced Bruce Jackson top scored with 27 as Alne reached 72-8, home youngsters James Easton (2-15) and Chris Padgett (3-26) being well supported by club chairman Keith Till (3-11). Richard Barker made 22 as Sessay replied with 75-4, Geoff Ryder (2-14) having the most success for Alne.

In the second division, Huby posted the highest team innings of the season when they rattled up 192-4 at Sheriff Hutton.

Steven Piercy made 125, equalling the highest individual innings in the league this season, his innings including eight fours and six sixes. Tom Piercy supported with 44.

Sheriff were never really in contention, but Hugh Faith (23), Joel Wilford (21) and Craig Dodsworth (41) all made runs as they reached 120-7, Dan Grainger (2-21) and Mark Swales (2-9) having good returns for Huby.

Updated: 10:43 Thursday, June 12, 2003