A FANTASTIC 59 from Nick Schofield helped inspire league leaders Stamfordham to victory over Haltwhistle in Division One of the West Tyne Cricket League last weekend.

Schofield, who also took three wickets earlier in the match, helped his side meet their 139 target and the side claimed a three wicket win as a result.

A dramatic high scoring game took place on Saturday at South Northumberland, with the hosts managing to bowl out opponents Belsay with just seven runs and one ball to spare.

After earlier scoring 231/9 from their 40 overs - including a 113 from Jack Hearn - the hosts managed to hold on to their win despite a fine reply from Belsay that saw Ed Common hit 96.

A day later saw South Northumberland again in action, however they couldn’t beat Newton, who took the win by three wickets.

Elsewhere, second placed Mitford continued their title push after getting the better of Matfen by two wickets.

Matthew Lees, Jake Edwards, Stu Hills and Matt Ellinor all helped themselves to multiple wickets as the travellers met their target of 105 to keep the pressure on league leaders Stamfordham.

Humshaugh saw Matthew Williamson score 43 and Owen Murtough hit 34 as they comfortably beat Hexham Leazes by four wickets, with Luke Parkinson also taking five wickets for the side.

Newton made it a double winning weekend after also beating Haydon Bridge on Saturday with Andy Goulding taking five wickets for just 15 runs, while Benwell Hill beat Wylam by 61 runs.

In Division Two, the league’s leading two sides both suffered defeats.

Mitford, who were playing fellow frontrunners Riding Mill, lost out by seven wickets with the away side’s Mark Terry - who hit 46 - and Rob Willis - who scored 45 - helping their side to the win.

Andy Watson also performed strongly with the ball and took five wickets in the away side’s victory.

Haltwhistle couldn’t take advantage of their rival’s defeat and lost out to another front running side in the form of Medomsley by just a single wicket.

After bowling the second placed side out for 104, the hosts managed to chase down their target following a close match, partly thanks to a 49 from captain Jordan Bell.

Mitford 3rds saw Niall Head-Rapson score 99 and Wahab Barakat hit 84 as they sealed a 74 run win over Clara Vale 2nds, while Wark took a four wicket win over Stocksfield 4ths.

Also last weekend, Humshaugh 2nds defeated Hexham Leazes 2nds by eight wickets with Joe Johnson scoring 62 in a dominant performance.