NatWest Tyne League

Haltwhistle confirmed their position at the top of the table when they won for the seventh time in eight outings defeating Allendale, but were hard pressed before securing a nine wickets victory.

Batting first the leaders were all out in 32 overs for 123 which included 40 by Phil Thompson who recorded seven boundaries.

Ali Thirlwell was in great form for Allendale and in 16.4 overs, three of which were maidens, he returned seven for 45. Richie Rutherford took two for 28 from six overs.

When they replied opener Rutherford gave Allendale a good send-off but he received little support and after he was dismissed for 34, including six fours, the innings collapsed to 114 all out in 39 overs. Chris Clark was in magnificent form for Haltwhistle and in 16.3 overs had eight for 28.

Wylam won for the third time with a nine wickets victory at Stocksfield who crumbled from 40 for none to 78 all out in 32 overs. Andrew Wood (25) and Chris Catnach (24) top performed while for Wylam Mark Wilson, another bowler in the league to take eight wickets, conceded just 19 runs in 11 overs, five of which were maidens.

In contrast to Stocksfield's innings, Wylam lasted only 11.2 overs as Mark Sutton hit one six and six fours in an unbeaten 44 to lead his side to an emphatic nine wickets victory.

North Tyne Riverdale posted 124 which included a half century by Jeffrey. Hope claimed six for 30 runs for Haydon Bridge who then went on to win by six wickets when Gibson carried his bat for 33.

Humshaugh ended with 159 for seven, thanks to 57 by opener Murray and 28 by Arnick. Replying Matfen were 122 all out and they recovered following a poor start when Lowes (47) and Wilson (32) formed a productive mid innings partnership. Ian Darling had figures of three for 24 and Chris Adams took six for 22 in the Humshaugh attack.

Friarside Cup

Lintz, who have a reputation for developing good young players, surged into the second round of the Friarside Cup when they saw off Durham Senior League opponents Burnmoor by nine wickets.

Stephen Smith was in excellent form for Lintz and in four overs he captured three wickets for14 runs as Burnmoor struggled to 38 for nine. In contrast, Lintz had no difficulty meeting their modest target and conceded just one wicket as Duncan Batty carried his bat for 26.

The Hetton Lyons batsmen were also in good form against Shotley Bridge and reached the 129 for nine. Another youngster who is knocking on the Lyon's first team door Martin Scott, ended with 52 from a total of 129 for nine and Shotley Bridge managed just 36 in reply. Gary Adey is yet another young bowler with potential at Hetton Lyons and in 4.1 overs he returned the magnificent figures of six for five with his medium pace.