Bowlers in fine form

David McKenna and Paul Rogers both bowled splendidly when Middleton St George defeated Raby Castle by five wickets.

McKenna sent down 14 overs, eight of which were maidens, in taking three wickets for 21 runs while Rogers conceded nine runs in eight overs and he took collected three wickets. Jeff Hirst top performed with the bat for Raby Castle hitting one six and three boundaries in 31 out of his side's total of 69 all out. Replying Middleton St George reached their target for the loss of five wickets, three of them to Mark Poole at a cost of 12 runs in seven overs.

Barningham had eight wickets in hand of Eryholme mainly due to the effort of Lowes who carried his bat for 75 in a total of 173 for two.

McGarr was also in form for Barningham and in a magnificent spell of bowling he captured eight wickets for 59 runs to restrict the home side to 132 all out which included 45 by King.

After totally 204 for three Witton-le-Wear lost by four wickets to Ingleton for whom Laundy scored a half-century. Stuart Dawson contributed 47 and Wood carried his bat for 46. Witton-le-Wear utilised two bowlers in their attack and both Nelson and Penfold claimed a couple of wickets apiece.

Batting first Witton-le-Wear finished past the 200 mark and Nelson was in superb form hammering 127 before being bowled. Chrisp, who opened the batting, was still there at the end undefeated on 64.

Cockerton were another side to make a useful score batting first but still lost. Farrow (45) was the main contributor to their total of 178 for seven with Tomlin adding 28 and Leafe 24, while for Heighington Boocock returned four for 83 and Waite two for 46.

Heighington's reply was centred around opening batsman Riley who was only seven runs short of a century when he was bowled. Jackson continued the good work and was still there at the end with 30 not out. Farrow returned three for 83 and Glew three for 67 in the Cockerton attack.

Spennymoor managed only 78 with Nick Grainger their top scorer with 22 when they entertained Rockliffe Park for whom Baluik and Timmens both took three wickets. In reply Rockliffe Park lost three early wickets but Garbutt steadied the innings with 37 while for Spennymoor Grainger was also their leading performer with the ball taking three of the four wickets to go down for just 18 runs.

In division B Brompton-on-Swale bowled out Dales for only 44 with Barry Leybourn taking four for 18 from ten overs, five of which were maidens and Paul Felstead three for 19 in his seven overs stint.

When they made first use of the wicket Brompton totalled 106 for nine from 40 overs with Neil Raw their top scorer with 25 which included four boundaries. Hutchinson bowled superbly in the Dales attack and unchanged for 20 overs ended with the excellent figures of seven for 48.

Cliffe defeated Lands by four wickets after restricting their opponents to 155 for six which included a top scoring unbeaten 43 by Liddle. Curry returned four for 34 for Cliffe who were indebted to Hipkiss (44) for their match winning response. Knights and Braithwaite both added 28.

Heighington were 75 runs in front of East Cowton whom they dismissed for only 64 as Jameson claimed five for 34 and Gibson four for 24.

When they batted first Heighington also found it difficult but an innings of 32 from Miller and 30 by Butt took them to 139 for six. The wickets were shared by Raw (3-28) and Whitfield with three for 80.

Middleton-in-Teesdale were dismissed for 91 visiting Haughton for whom Wilkinson claimed five for 17 and Sergeant three for seven. Batting fist Haughton posted 117 for five with openers Vipond scoring 68 and Maguire 59. D Watson had figures for four for 64 for Middleton-in-Teesdale.

King James were bowled out for 65 by Catterick Village for whom Swainston took five for 25 and Galley five for 18, but the low total was still sufficient as Catterick Village managed only 60 as Brack as the superb analysis of seven for 27.

Middleton Tyas reached 115 for two with more than half the runs coming from Wilkinson (72) but the total proved insufficient as Trimdon won losing three wickets as Carter carried his bat for 51.

A Division Knock-out Cup first round

Results: Raby Castle v Heighington - Match Cancelled - ground unfit (to be played Tuesday, May 21).

Cockerton 181 for 4, Eryholme 106 for 6 - Cockerton win.

Barton 150 for 3, Barningham 72 all out - Barton win.

Middleton St George 55 for 2, Ingleton 54 all out - Middleton St George win.

Second round draw, to be played Wednesday, May 29: Aldbrough St John v Middleton St George, Spennymoor v Witton Le Wear, Raby Castle or Heighington v Barton, Rockcliffe Park v Cockerton.