Foster's ECB North East Regional Premier League: Richard Waite produced an outstanding man-of-the-match performance leading Stockton to an impressive victory over Philadelphia.
He went to the crease after the home side conceded an early wicket to Phili's new quickie Fernix Thomas and, while he eventually fell to the West Indian, he amassed a century.
Alex Roberts, Stockton's Durham County player, added 56 on his debut to a total of 265-6 which included 41 extras.
Newcomer Simon Hollinsworth impressed scoring 69 but Phili never threatened as Alan Walker (5-44) and Waite (3-22) restricted them to 173.
Nicky Phillips, released from the Riverside last season, was quickly among the wickets for his new club Gateshead Fell. His four victims cost just 21 and Ian Pattison weighed in with 4-40 as Norton were out for 156.
The returning Nicky Beall opened with 30 and new skipper Marc Symington contributed 46 but Norton were 50 runs short.
Stuart Walker carried his bat for 67, James Foster scored 47 and Pattison 36 in the Fell total of 205-6 declared. Marc Symington also starred with the ball for Norton claiming 4-40 but was unable to celebrate victory on his first day in charge.
There was a runs feast at Tynemouth, who were only nine runs short of victory with a couple of wickets intact against Chester-le-Street. The visitors batted first and posted a near 250 total losing just four wickets.
Durham's Gareth Breeze impressed making 77 with nine fours and local lad Daniel Shurben had one six and 13 boundaries adding 87 for the Cestrians.
Undeterred by the task and at losing three cheap wickets, Tynemouth went for victory with Barry Stewart leading the way with 62. Cameron Armstrong (41) and Wayne Falla (31) also showed form but despite batting two overs more than their opponents, the Seasiders failed to secure victory as Ian Hunter returned 3-58 in 18 overs.
Durham Academy comfortably won at Newcastle. Lee Simpson carried his bat for 63 in a total of 218-6 declared from 62 overs.
The Tynesiders were never in the hunt and were bowled out in 44.3 overs with 137 on top. Moneeb Iqbal returned the creditable figures of 4-41 in nine overs.
Champions South Northumberland failed by one wicket to make a winning start at Sunderland who were pleased when time was called. They realised just 144 with their last pair together and were grateful to middle order bat Stuart Pattison who was still there unbeaten on 43. Alan Mustard added a crucial 41.
Runs were a lot more plentiful when South North made first use of the wicket. Adam Heather added 75 and Chris Hewison 84 to a total of 221-5.
Durham's Graeme Onions conceded just 27 runs taking five wickets in 14 overs and Johnny O'Neil had 3-31 as Benwell Hill were sent back for 132 in 52 overs at Blaydon. Phil Mustard was top scorer with 43.
Ian Somerville then steadied Blaydon's match-winning reply and his 53 which included five boundaries laid the foundations for a four-wicket success which was achieved following 45.4 overs at the wicket.
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