Sheriff Hutton Bridge lead Sessay by one point at the top of the Pilmoor Evening League table at the half-way stage of the season.

These two are well clear of the rest, while Huby and Alne occupy the bottom two places with Thirsk just above them. Newburgh have a two-point lead in division two after victory over nearest rivals Stillington, who despite their setback also seem well set to regain their first division status.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge maintained their excellent division one form when they overwhelmed Alne. Steve Crowder was undefeated on 75 and Aaron Wilford made 40 as Bridge reached 158-5, Tom Ryder (4-32) being the pick of the Alne bowlers.

Alne's reply never threatened and they were all out for 58, Harrion Muller (3-4), Duncan Snell (2-17), and Chris Walls (2-1) doing most of the damage.

An excellent contest at Sessay saw the hosts claim a last-ball win over Crayke.

Crayke had been taken to a position of some strength by Andrew Dawson (47) and skipper Eric Watson (46), who put on 105 for the second wicket. There was a flurry of wickets at the end of the innings as Keith Till claimed 2-16, and Crayke closed on 118-5.

Sessay began well with Nick Harrison (40) putting them in control, supported by Joe Joyce (27).

But Crayke battled hard and Sessay fell behind the rate, only to recover by scoring 20 off the last two overs to claim the points at 119-5.

Huby posted a formidable target when they took first innings at Thirsk. Thomas Piercy recorded the season's highest individual innings as he made 95no, Mark Mierzwinski supporting with 42.

Thirsk responded admirably with Australian Keogan Luiters (67) leading the way.

Andrew Chandler then weighed in with 25no and saw Thirsk through to victory at 158-5, despite Chris Cundall's 2-22.

Tollerton had a comfortable win in a low scoring match against Easingwold. Paul Skilbeck top scored with 15 as Easingwold struggled to 51-9 against the bowling of Tony Raper (3-11) and Tom Green (4-15). Skilbeck then claimed 2-4, but Tollerton reached victory at 52-4.

The top two in division two met at Stillington where Newburgh were the visitors. Jason Sargent (57), R Burn (20no) and Paul Doy (24no) all scored well as Newburgh reached 134-6, Richard Coultas (2-39) and Darren Powell (2-38) having the best returns for Stillington. The reply was led by Mark Maddock (62) supported by S Dissanayake (21) but fell short on 123-4.

Sheriff Hutton had a welcome victory when they entertained Raskelf. Chris Woolsey (26) and Joel Wilford (30) took them to 101-5.

Raskelf's reply never quite had the required momentum and they were all out for 91 against Richard Armitage (3-10) and Peter Evans (2-18).

There was another close finish at Clifton Alliance where Rowntrees were the visitors. Alliance made 101-6, Paul Thorpe hitting 51, while Rowntrees closed on 93-4 with Chris Todd making 29no and K Dale 23no. Tom Close (2-20) and Paul Stimpson (2-11) had good returns for Clifton.

Updated: 12:34 Thursday, June 27, 2002