LEADERS Sessay maintained their two-point advantage over Thirsk with a victory at Crayke in division one of the Pilmoor Evening Cricket League.

Sessay posted 131-6, with runs from Paul Flintoff (33), Matthew Wass (19), Paul Rivis (28) and Joseph Watson (39no).

Drew Walker (2-25) had the best return for Crayke.

Walker made 52 not out as Crayke challenged strongly, only for their effort to fall short on 123-3.

Clifton Alliance batted first when they entertained Thirsk.

Matt Phillips made 45 and Mark Taylor an unbeaten 39 as they reached 125-4, with Ryan McKendry taking 2-24.

Thirsk lost an early wicket to Dave Friend, but a fine partnership between Kieran Fenwick (55no) and McKendry (60no) took Thirsk to 126-1 with an over and a half to spare.

Easingwold recorded their first victory of the campaign at Helperby.

Tommy Langstaff (39) and Paul Skilbeck (35) helped them to 112-5, with Ollie Swiers taking 3-34 for Helperby.

The home reply was undermined by a fine opening spell by Andrew Metcalfe (3-3), whose five- over burst saw him take three wickets without conceding a run until his final delivery.

Joe Kinsella (26) and Dan Marston (33) rallied the home response, but Easingwold youngster Alex Cooper took 4-29 as Helperby closed on 91-9.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge’s climb up the table continued with a seven-wicket win at the expense of struggling Newburgh.

James Banks (26) and Rob Proudley (21) were Newburgh’s top-scorers as they made 83-4, and although Jason Sargent claimed 2-14, his efforts were in vain as Bridge reached 84-3, with Mark Fisher making 25 and David Speak hitting 34.

At the top of division two, Dringhouses maintained their 100 per cent record with a ten-wicket win at Stillington.

The hosts posted 152-3 with Rob Steel making 55 retired and Wayne Linton 27 not out. Sam Lingard and Andy Kenyon then both made half-centuries as Dringhouses reached 153 without loss with more than three overs in hand.

Alne batted first against Huby and their 129-3 included 50 retired from N Dale. Huby were all out for 60 with Toby Stirke taking 4-18.

Sheriff Hutton welcomed Acomb and lost a high-scoring game by 17 runs. Joe Dale (46no), Neil Hinde (21) and Richard Wells (32) claimed Acomb to 147-6, while Dinuk Mirando took 3-21. Mirando then made 25 and Eddie Hull 35 not out, but Sheriff closed on 130-9.

Raskelf batted first at New Earswick and struggled to 82-7. New Earswick then replied with 84-4, with Luke Whittaker making 44.