REIGNING division one champions Thirsk kicked off their Pilmoor Evening Cricket League season with a win at Sheriff Hutton Bridge.

Bridge batted first and posted 73-5, with Ben Elders claiming 3-26 for Thirsk, then Ben England led Thirsk to 74-2 with an unbeaten 36.

Clifton Alliance batted first when they entertained Sessay.

Mark Taylor, with 34 not out, did most to take Clifton to 105-6, while Stephen Langstaff took 2-24.

A second-wicket partnership between Matthew Wass (39) and Jacob Spencer (41) set up Sessay’s win at 107-5.

Easingwold batted first at Crayke and Dan Copeland (59) and Harry Elliott (34) led them to 118-4, with John Dey taking 2-30 for Crayke. When Crayke replied, Peter Carr made 35 and Graeme Dawson took 14 off the last over to finish unbeaten on 62 as Crayke won at 120-3 with one ball remaining.

Helperby beating Newburgh by 18 runs. Ross McKenzie (50) helped them to 126-7, with Jason Sargent taking 2-14 and John Thornton 2-43.

Newburgh’s reply was led by Tom Banks (44), but Marston claimed 3-19 as they fell short on 108-6.

Dringhouses marked their league debut with a crushing win at Rowntrees.

The understrength hosts were shot out for 33 by Tom Storr, whose 5-7 included a hat-trick.

Sam Lingard then made 20 not out as Dringhouses easily reached 34-0.

The other newcomers New Earswick visited Alne, who posted the highest total of the evening at 171-2, Tom Shaw (51 ret), Noel Collings (50 ret) and Mick Johnson (49no) providing the bulk of the runs.

New Earswick made a spirited 134-5 in reply with Tom Hewer making 53 (ret) and Matt Noble 50 (ret).

Raskelf batted first against Stillington and had Sam Porter (50 ret) and Sam Metcalfe (32) in form as they posted 114-2.

Stillington responded with 118-4 as Chris Borwell and Karl Simpson each made 25, then Toby Wells saw them to a last over success with an unbeaten 35.

Alex Ingram top-scored with 53 (ret) as Civil Service reached 100-6 against Acomb.

Matthew Dale led Acomb’s reply with 50 (ret) and Matt Williams added 23 as Acomb won at 101-5 off the penultimate ball.

Sheriff Hutton had an eight wicket win at Huby.

The hosts reached 103-2 with Sean Dixon making 50, but Sheriff eased their way to 105-2 with a half-century from Geoff Schofield.