THERE were runs galore at Annfield Plain who despite scoring 272, defeated Ponteland by a margin of just nine runs.

New professional Rehan Rafique was in splendid form for the Plain contributing 125, with Graeme Carr (80) and David Maughan (35 not out) swept the total to what appeared to be an impregnable 272 for three.

Ponteland though almost snatched victory, ending on 263 for nine. Lloyd Anderson opened with 63 before a mid-innings partnership between Scott (79 not out) and Walton, who made 59 before being run out, put the home side on the defensive.

Sacriston made it three wins out of four defeating Greenside with more than 50 runs to spare. Harry Hubber top-performed with 75 before Tony Claughan (36 not out) and David Metcalfe (27 not out) took the total to almost 200.

Darren Stephenson (38) and Graeme Rowell with 47 temporarily raised the hopes of Greenside before the innings closed on 135.

Champions Tynedale won a lowscoring game with Leadgate, who managed only 93 all out in 35 overs. Stuart Graham conceded just 20 runs for three wickets in 12 overs but despite facing a modest target, Tynedale suffered one of two shocks after an initial, promising opening stand.

Neil Clark with six fours in 36 and Joe Barber, who had seven boundaries out of 38, scored 74 runs between them. But when the partnership was broken, Tynedale lost six wickets before securing victory.

Paul Hockaday, third change in the Leadgate attack, took four wickets for just 22 runs in five overs. Mark Stoneman batted throughout the Swalwell innings, steering his side to a four-wickets win over Shotley Bridge at Derwenthaugh.

He remained unbeaten with 68 and Steve Magoffin added a valuable 38. Following the loss of early wickets, the Bridge were grateful to an undefeated 41 from Neil Burdon as they struggled to 127 for seven.

Magoffin and Ian Patterson shared six wickets for Swalwell.

Lintz overtook the Benwell and Walbottle total of 178 for eight with two wickets in hand.

Stuart Clennell opened with 32 but wickets fell quickly and it was the eighth-wicket partnership between Michael Edmunds (37) and Graeme Johnson (39 not out) which achieved success.

Earlier, Gary Christie and Graham Clennell both took three wickets and for Benwell, Geoff Prudhoe (34) and Stephen Reid (42) put together a good stand for the third wicket.

Ashington posted 157 for nine but went down by one wicket at Newcastle City. Greg Williams, with an unbeaten 41 and three wickets, took the man-of-thematch honours for the Colliers.