TONY Bell has been around too long to count his chickens but could not disguise his delight at Saltburn's performances last weekend.

Defeating neighbours Redcar in a crucial Darlington Building Society NYSD League Premier Division game was a good start and winning the MacMillan Cup was simply icing on the cake.

"We are now 19 points ahead of Guisborough but I keep telling the lads there are 160 points still to play for.

"Obviously, we are in a good position and defeating Redcar was a great result since they went into the match just two points behind us," said Bell, who has been with Saltburn for five years and is captain for the second season.

"We have some good teams to play in our last eight fixtures and I feel any one of a number of clubs could take the title - although if we maintain our form we will take some beating."

After bowling out Redcar, who were 40 without loss from only six overs, for just 113, Saltburn turned in another outstanding display at Acklam Park on Sunday against Middlesbrough in the final of the MacMillan Cup