After losing the toss and being put in to bat, Haydon Bridge posted their highest total of the season in the West Tyne Cricket League as they recorded a comprehensive home victory over Division One leaders Stamfordham on Saturday.

Neil Kendrew (57), Robert Gibson (53) and Dale Leadbitter (53 not out) were the main contributors as they amassed 191/3 in their 40 overs. Stamfordham were then bowled out for 102, Omando Charles top-scoring with 41. Tommy Waugh claimed 4 wickets for 25 runs, with Graham Pigg and Liam Stephenson both taking 2 wickets.

A day later, Stamfordham bounced back when beating an under-strength Hexham Leazes side by 9 wickets to extend their advantage at the top of the table to 49pts.

Lucas Holmes hit 94 as Hexham Leazes scored an impressive 192/8 from 40 overs. However, Stamfordham comfortably reached their target for the loss of only Greg Taylor, who made 43. The in-form Ian Donkin (89 not out) and Richie Gledson (50 not out) saw them across the line.

Humshaugh remain Stamfordham's nearest challengers following a 6 wicket success at Matfen.

After being asked to bat first, the home side were bowled out for 103 in 36 overs, Justin Dempsey top-scoring with 39. Matthew Williamson, Will Forster and George Ridley all took 2 wickets, while Paul Armstrong finished off the lower order with 3 wickets for 7 runs. Humshaugh wicket keeper Hedley Renton had a day to remember with 4 catches and a stumping before scoring 46 not out as his side coasted to victory with 18 overs to spare. Ian Pilkington took all 4 Humshaugh wickets to fall for the loss of only 12 runs from his 8 overs.

Mitford won by 6 wickets against South Northumberland who scored 116/9 in their 40 overs. Juhu Joseph was the pick of the Mitford bowlers with 4 wickets for 28 runs before Kieran Mole (45 not out) steered them home with 5 overs left.

In a low scoring match Benwell Hill defeated Haltwhistle by 38 runs. The home side were bowled out for 106 in the 31st over with Fardin Bhuiyan undefeated on 45 as 9 of his colleagues failed to reach double figures. The experienced Philip Thompson produced his best figures of the season with 4 wickets for 24 runs from 8 overs. In reply, Haltwhistle's batsmen struggled with most resistance coming from opener Michael Parker (15) and Johnny Wallace (21) before they were all out for 68. Shay Marley (4 wickets) and Matthew Lockey (3 wickets) inflicting most of the damage.

The other Division One matches on Saturday resulted in easy wins for Wylam (244/3) over Belsay (114 all out) and Hexham Leazes (195/7) over Newton (102 all out).

In Division Two, Humshaugh completed a weekend double over Riding Mill and collected 39pts in the process. On Saturday, Adam Murphy top-scored with 45 in their total of 185/8 before restricting Riding Mill to 173/9. The following day, all 5 Humshaugh bowlers took wickets as Riding Mill were bowled out for 78, with Usmin Amin making 35. Humshaugh reached their target for the loss of only 4 wickets with almost 16 overs to spare and have moved into joint second place in the table, 28pts behind leaders Haltwhistle with a game in hand.

Also on Saturday, Clara Vale (183 all out) enjoyed a 92 run victory over Mitford 2nds and Allendale conceded their game at Medomsley.

Fixtures: Saturday 4th September

Div One: Belsay v South Northumberland, Benwell Hill v Wylam, Haydon Bridge v Newton, Hexham Leazes v Humshaugh, Mitford v Matfen.

Div Two: Clara Vale v Mitford 3rds, Haltwhistle v Medomsley, Humshaugh v Hexham Leazes, Riding Mill v Mitford 2nds.

Sunday 5th September: Div One : Belsay v Mitford