CRAYKE and Sessay took advantage of Thirsk’s rain-hit match to close the gap at the top of Pilmoor Evening Cricket League division one.

Three of the eight fixtures were rained off, with no play possible between Thirsk and Newburgh in division one, and at Helperby and Stillington in division two.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge took first innings when they visited Crayke. Jack Hugill made 25 and Brendan Ledgeway added an unbeaten 43 to take his side to 107-6, while Will Bartlett returned 2-35 for Crayke.

Graeme Dawson (26) and Drew Walker (19) set Crayke on their way, and an unbeaten 36 from Jamie Perkins saw them home at 108-5 with more than two overs in hand.

There was a close game at Acomb where Sessay were the visitors. Matt Dale (55) provided the basis of the Acomb innings, which closed on 105-5, with Stephen Langstaff taking 2-13 for the visitors.

When Sessay replied, skipper Nick Thorne led from the front with an aggressive 60, but wickets fell regularly to Neil Hinde (3-38), Matt Dale (2-9) and Matt Williams (2-31), and Sessay only just made it over the line at 106-7 with four balls remaining.

Easingwold batted first when they entertained Clifton Alliance, and Andrew Metcalfe top-scored with 43, while support came from youngsters Tom Cosgrove (17) and Andrew Ball (18) as they totalled 110-4.

Andy Parkinson returned 2-25 for Clifton, whose response was dominated by a rapid 66 from Jason Gatus. Sean Holmes lent support with 25 not out and Clifton took the points at 111-1 in 11 overs.

Division two leaders Sheriff Hutton fielded first at Huby and the hosts posted 125-5. Steven Piercy made 50 retired, Thomas Piercy was 21 not out and Sean Dixon hit 19, while David Hull had the best return for Sheriff with 3-26.

When Sheriff replied, Andrew Frank (21), Karl Scarborough (20) and Geoff Schofield (23no) all contributed to a winning 126-4.

Civil Service entertained Alne, and the visitors batted first and made 95-9, Eddie Myers making 20 while Phil Murkin took 4-16 and James Woodall 2-14.

The hosts replied with 96-5, with Will Phelps 31 not out. Myers had his side’s best return with 2-31.