Only four of the scheduled 10 matches across both divisions of the O'Neill Richmonds West Tyne Senior Cricket League took place on Saturday, September 17 to round off a season blighted by bad weather.
Division One champions Haydon Bridge maintained their unbeaten record in a one-sided contest at home to Belsay. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Belsay survived 29.5 overs before being dismissed for a modest total of 59.
Sheron Jansz (16) and Sam Turner (11) offered token resistance, with most of the damage done by Jamie Taylor (3-4), Ian Watson (3-16) and Gavin Boyd (2-19). The hosts reached their target in 25 overs with 7 wickets in hand, thanks mainly to Dale Leadbitter (27 not out) and Neil Kendrew (19).
In the only other top-flight contest, 2021 champions Stamfordham were skittled out for 50 in 23.1 overs by visitors Riding Mill, having been 33-3 at one stage. The wickets were taken by Andy Watson (4-16), Ali Raza (2-7), Tim Willis (2-21) and Alan Fletcher (2-4).
In reply, Riding Mill didn't have things all their own way before eventually getting across the line in the 27th over with four wickets in hand. Craig Johnston was the pick of the bowlers and finished with impressive figures of 5-8 off 8 overs.
The games at Mitford, South Northumberland 1864 and Wylam were cancelled following heavy rain across the region on Friday, while Humshaugh conceded their scheduled home match against Benwell Hill.
Final standings: 1st, Haydon Bridge 362pts, 2nd, Stamfordham 266pts, 3rd, South Northumberland 1864 257pts, 4th, Riding Mill 243pts.
In Division Two, champions Haltwhistle were dismissed for 151 in 24.4 overs after being put in to bat by visitors Wylam in a match reduced to 30 overs. The hosts were indebted to A.Heppell (45), No.10 Chris Smith (21 not out) and No.11 Alfie Dodd (17) along with 27 extras after seven of the first eight batsmen failed to reach double figures.
The wickets were shared between Jonny Greenwood (3-33), Tony Parker (3-21), Marcus Wells (2-32) and Henry Rewcastle (2-35). In reply, Wylam had reached 132-9 when the overs ran out, with the main contributors being opener Jonny Greenwood (72) and David Rewcastle (22). Unusually, their innings included four run outs.
Riding Mill ended their season on a high with victory by 149 runs at home to bottom of the table Stocksfield. Batting first after winning the toss, the hosts posted an impressive total of 262-4 from the allotted 40 overs, with the bulk of the runs coming from Lee Rogers (108), Michael Collins (73) and Aaditya Bethanabatla (58). In reply, club stalwarts Chris Catnach (29) and Andrew Newton (19 not out) offered most resistance for Stocksfield who were on 113-5 when the innings closed.
The game between Allendale and Medomsley was cancelled, while Mitford conceded to hosts Newbrough.
Final standings: 1st, Haltwhistle 327pts, 2nd, Allendale 252pts, 3rd, Wylam 231pts, 4th, Medomsley 224pts.
This has been one of the worst seasons in the last 20 years for weather-related cancellations/abandonments and games being conceded due to clubs being unable to raise a team. For the record, 43 of the scheduled 132 Division One games didn't take place (35 cancelled and eight conceded), while 29 of the 84 Division Two matches suffered the same fate (21 cancelled and eight conceded).
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