FINE sunny evening greeted the new Pilmoor Evening League season on Wednesday of last week – once again the league is operating two tiers, a first division consisting of eight teams and a second division of ten teams, Champions Thirsk began the defence of their title with a convincing win at Alne. Only Tom Wilson, who made 22 not out, made any progress at all as Alne struggled to 77 for 7, Jake Petty taking 2 for 8, and Thirsk’s reply reached a comfortable 78 for 2 with James Wilkinson making 30 not out.

At Newburgh, Sessay took first innings and saw Luke Ramsay top score with 44 as they posted 117 for 6. Nick Thorne (27) and captain Matthew Wass (26) also made significant contributions, whilst Tom Banks (2 for 20) and Will Moss (2 for 33) had most success for Newburgh.

The home reply was led by James Banks and with Moss (19) lending support, the game was evenly poised as Newburgh reached 75 for 4. However, Banks fell for 48, brilliantly caught on the boundary by Liam Carver, and the home response crumbled in fading light to 94 for 9. Luke Ramsay completed a fine all round performance in claiming 3 for 20, whilst Ben Scaling sealed Sessay’s win with 4 for 3.

Helperby had a comfortable win when they entertained Clifton Alliance. The visitors were all out for 65, having no answer to J Allen (4 for 22), Matt Poulter (3 for 7) and Will Perragrin (3 for 17). Helperby cruised to 68 for 3 in less than 9 overs with Peter Orton making 27 not out and Lane Tutty 22.

In the second division, Sheriff Hutton posted the highest score of the evening when they made 139 for 1 against Crayke. Richard Ainley with an unbeaten 46 and David Hull (55, ret) were the men in form, but Crayke made an enterprising reply and remained well in contention through Graeme Dawson (53 ret) and Dave Allitt (41). They lacked support however and the efforts of Richard Armitage, who took 2 for 17, Richard Ainley (2 for 29) and Jag Gopalappa (3 for 18) ensured a Sheriff win as Crayke closed 10 runs in arrears on 129 for 9.

Easingwold batted first when they made the short trip to Raskelf. Dan Copeland made 50 (ret) and Rowan Capper 22 as they closed on 126 for 6, Sam Porter being the most effective home bowler in claiming 3 for 16 from 4 overs. Raskelf’s top order had no answer to Tommy Langstaff who put his side on the road to victory in taking 4 for 2, and although Sam Porter continued to impress in making 41, Raskelf were all out for 87 as Rowan Capper chipped in with 3 for 22.