DIVISION one champions Thirsk began the new Pilmoor Evening Cricket League season with a comfortable win at Sheriff Hutton Bridge.

Bridge batted first and made 100-7 with Johnny Postle making 29, while Ben England’s 2-16 was Thirsk’s best return.

Ryan McKendry, with 35 not out, and Stuart Christon, with 30no, took Thirsk to 102-1 and a nine-wicket triumph.

Newburgh beat visitors Easingwold, with Tom Banks top-scoring for the hosts with 28 in a total of 95-5.

In Easingwold’s reply, Paul Skilbeck made 25, but Newburgh bowled tidily and Easingwold closed on 91-4, despite a late burst from Dan Copeland (21no).

Neil Hinde was Acomb’s top run-maker at Clifton Alliance, finishing unbeaten on 69 as Acomb totalled 121-6.

Niall Tilsley and Bob Taylor each returned 2-23 for Clifton, whose reply was perfectly-paced at 122-4. Jason Gatus made 34 and Mark Taylor hit 41 not out.

In division two, Huby had a 20-run win at Alne. Steven Piercy made 25 as Huby totalled 100-6, while John Henley took 4-17 for Alne with support from Tom Shaw (2-27) and James Ash (2-11).

Shaw made 23 and Phil Cook 25 for Alne, but Chris Cundall’s 4-11 ensured Alne closed short on 80-7.

Civil Service batted first at Rowntrees and made 93-9, with Graham Sherlock scoring 32.

Rowntrees’ successful bowlers were Jack Gabbatiss (3-6), Syed Wahid (2-21) and Chris Todd (2-21).

Rowntrees’ reply was a successful 94-7 with John Dowd making 21.

Stillington batted first at Sheriff Hutton and were all out for 95. Jack Cartwright (34) and Toby Wells (33) did the bulk of the scoring.

Andy Kenny (2-18), Richard Armitage (2-0) and Danny Cass (2-2) did the damage before Sheriff replied with 98-2.

Geoff Schofield led the way with 34, while Eddie Hull made 20 and David Hull was unbeaten on 26 as the hosts won with two overs to spare. Stillington’s Adrian Leckenby took 2-28.