As the Pilmoor Cricket League season moves past the halfway point, Easingwold and Sheriff Hutton Bridge look set to battle for the division one champion-ship.

Both recorded victories in the latest round of fixtures, with Easingwold having a two-point advantage.

Easingwold maintained their challenge with a well-paced win at Sessay. Only Matthew Till (69) of the home batsmen made any real progress as the innings was kept in check by Trevor Smith (5-24) and Tommy Langstaff (2-23), closing on 115 for seven.

Paul Skilbeck led Easingwold's reply with an unbeaten 63, Langstaff supported with 26 and Easingwold reached victory at 117 for four with seven balls remaining.

Second-placed Sheriff Hutton Bridge had an easy win at Newburgh, whose innings never got going and stumbled to 51 for eight.

Steve Glaves (3-12) and G Humphries (2-8) kept things under control for Bridge and although Jason Sargent hit back with two for 13, Michael Sinclair (31no) controlled Bridge's reply and they won well at 52 for two.

Tollerton continued their improved form with a convincing win at Alne. Chris Knowles (21) and Eddie Myers (20) were the main scorers in Alne's 79 for eight.

Paul Hutchinson (32no) and Dan Copeland (39no) then confirmed Tollerton's superiority at 81 for one.

In the second division, Huby suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of challengers Rowntree.

Huby made 87 for eight, Mike South hitting 34. For Rowntree, Paul Harrison recorded the season's best bowling return with six for 19, while Brian Burton lent support with two for 21.

Rowntrees were struggling at 37 for four, but Chris Todd (28) and Richard Barker jnr (14no) shared a decisive 45-run partnership.

Updated: 12:28 Wednesday, June 27, 2001