Lanchester's new professional, South African Wallace Albertyn, could hardly have made a better start at Annfield Plain who were made 30 all out - their lowest score for many years.

And it was Albertyn who decimated the innings taking seven wickets for only five runs on his debut. Although Gary Steadman had an early success, Lanchester coasted home with an unbroken second-wicket partnership between Richie Strong and Phil Carlin.

In contrast, runs flowed at Lintz where more than 400 were recorded, the majority of them by the home side. Steve Smith (79) and Gordon Baker (89) gave Lintz a dream start and a total of 252 for six was posted from the 50 overs despite Martin Hubber and Ross McLaren both taking three wickets.

Although Ian Patterson hit 57, Sacriston never threatened and were restricted to 161 as Graham Clennell and Chris Bowes shared seven wickets.

Stuart Graham has made a good start in his new role as professional with Tynedale. His 5-15 return included a hat-trick, and four wickets from Henry Twizell had Benwell and Walbottle back in the pavilion with just 67 runs on top.

Earlier, Graham contributed 81 to the Tynedale total which was just a couple of runs short of 200.

Surjit Singh, Imran Khan and Imran Shah shared the wickets as Whickham were all out for 146 replying to a target of 200 set by Newcastle City. New signing Tom Jones top-scored with 66 for the Tynesiders.

Ashington had just three runs to spare defeating Swalwell at Derwenthaugh. David Rutherford (3-34) and Paul Rutherford (4-34) snatched the game out of the fire despite Jason Dumighan hitting a half century. Simon Prudhoe's 48 was crucial to the Ashington total of 134.

In Division A2, Consett went down by 36 runs at Ponteland. Dominic McCabe and Andy Foster shared seven wickets, restricting the home team to 130 but although Ian Stoneman ended unbeaten on 49, the Steelman failed to make three figures.

Greenside struggled to 129-8 at Alnwick who won with four wickets intact mainly as the result of the efforts of Allan Thompson who finshed the innings with an impressive 60 not out.