THE weather had its first impact on the Pilmoor Evening League season when three of the eight fixtures were rained off, with no play possible at Thirsk in the first division and at Helperby and Stillington in the second division.

Both Crayke and Sessay took advantage of Thirsk’s inactivity to record wins and close the gap at the top of the first division table to one point.

In the second division, Sheriff Hutton stretched their lead to three points with a fourth straight win.

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 for 6, while Will Bartlett returned 2 for 35 for Crayke.

Graeme Dawson (26) and Drew Walker (19) helped set Crayke on their way, and an unbeaten 36 from Jamie Perkins saw them home at 108 for 5 with more than two overs in hand, despite the efforts of J Postle, who took 2 for 25 and R Stevens, who claimed 2 for 26.

There was a close game at Acomb, where Sessay were the visitors.

Matt Dale with 55 provided the basis of the Acomb innings, which closed on 105 for 5, with Stephen Langstaff taking 2 for 13 for the visitors.

When Sessay replied, skipper Nick Thorne led from the front in making an aggressive 60, but wickets fell regularly to Neil Hinde (3 for 38), Matt Dale, who took 2 for 9 from five overs, and Matt Williams (2 for 31), and Sessay only just made it over the line at 106 for 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 with 17 and Andrew Ball with 18 as Easingwold totalled 110 for 4.

Andy Parkinson returned 2 for 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 for 1 in just 11 overs.

There was no play at Thirsk, where Newburgh were due to have been the visitors.

In the second division, leaders Sheriff Hutton fielded first at Huby, who posted 125 for 5 before Sheriff reached a winning 126 for 4.

Civil Service entertained Alne, and the visitors made 95 for 9 before the hosts replied with 96 for 5.

Helperby’s fixture with Rowntrees was a victim of the weather, as was the match between Stillington and Raskelf.