CRICKET: A magnificent innings by Henderson Brian earned Middlesbrough a place in the Kerridge Cup semi-finals with a 43 runs victory against Hartlepool at Acklam Park.

Middlesbrough lost their first two wickets with just nine runs on the board after four overs but Brian quickly turned the course of the innings, reaching 105 not out as Boro totalled 172 for three from their 25 overs.

West Indian Brian made his first 50 from 45 balls, reached a century from 67 deliveries and in all received just 70 balls hitting four sixes and nine boundaries.

Richard Storr gave good support with 41 and the target soon proved to be out of the reach of Hartlepool, who finally compiled 129 for six by the time their overs expired.

Stephen Lamb contributed 46 before being run out and David Shurmer scored 31 while for Middlesbrough's Andy Roberts claimed three wickets for 18.

Middlesbrough will visit Richmondshire on July 6. Richmond had seven wickets to spare defeating Thornaby whose 128 for three included a top scoring 49 not out by bell and an undefeated 41 from Geoff Love.

Professional Umer Rashid then batted throughout the Richmondshire reply finishing unbeaten on 60 which together with 40 by Mark Layfield enabled Richmondshire to win but with just one ball to spare.

Darlington had six wickets in hand of Blackhall in another quarter final tie. John Darby top performed with 56 and Booth made 33 of Blackhall's 126 for six. Frankland and Emmitt both took three for 38 in the Darlington attack before John Glendenen stroked a top scoring 68 when Darlington responded with 129 for four. Darlington, however, will have to wait to see who they play in the last four of the competition. No play was possible in the quarter final tie between Guisborough and Northallerton because of rain.

l Bedale bat Adrian Grayson, father of Essex's Paul and Blackburn footballer Simon, suffered cup heartache against Yarm in the Brunton Cup last week - run out without facing a ball.

The 59-year-old Adrian said: "I have been playing a pretty high standard of league cricket since I was 12 and I don't recall being run out without facing a ball.

"I was backing up and when the ball struck the bowler's hand after being driven back, I didn't even look at the umpire. I just walked.

"The other batsman was quite upset but I just smiled over the incident. There's not much else you can do."

And to make matters worse, Bedale lost the tie, Yarm winning in the final over.