Alnmouth and Lesbury suffered their second straight defeat at the hands of Stocksfield thanks to opener Dan Wylie’s 149 not out. Despite the loss, Almouth still remain at the top of the table but will be disappointed at having not reached a higher total considering how good the batting conditions were. Credit, however, goes to the Stocksfield’s fielding who ensured that the batsmen were kept under pressure at all times.
Alnmouth were the first to bat with Archie Elderand Paul Straker opening with 53 for the first wicket with Straker reaching 77. Alnmouth’s captain, Tom Vickers, seemed on his way to taking his team past 200 but was run out at 51. Callum Batey’s rapid-fire 31 not out ensured a 226-8 finish for the home team.
Stocksfield’s innings were dominated by Dan Wylie who passed his century and managed his 149 not out in 164 balls with the help of some creative shots. Stocksfield’s five wicket win came in the 48th over. Straker and Brian Brooks were Alnmouth’s wicket takers at that time. Alnmouth now sit only one point above Stocksfield and six above Tillside.
Meanwhile, Alnmouth’s 2nd eleven also suffered a five wicket defeat to Newcastle City 2nd eleven. Despite batting first, Alnmouth could only manage 141 with their top scorer Rich Nail only managing 21. It took Newcastle 30 overs to reach their target of 145-5 with their top scorer reaching 46.
Alnwick were also condemned to a 49 runs defeat by Bedlington. Connor Leason and Adam Purvis started for the victors who finished on 152 all out. On the ball, David Wright was having a good day and finished the game with figures of 7-33. Alnwick never got into the game with their top scorer, Gareth Bateman only managing 18. They finished on 103 in the 32nd over.
Alnwick and Bedlington 2nd elevens, meanwhile, ended the game tied at 152. Derek Shepherd and Chris Taylor both managed 29 for Bedlington while Robert Green and Alan Straker managed 57 and 41 for Alnwick.
Elsewhere, Tillside were beaten at home by a massive 8 wickets by Morpeth. This was Tillside’s first defeat and ensured they failed to make the most of Alnmouth’s loss to reduce the gap to the top. Tillside were all out for only 74 with three Morpheth Bowlers claiming three wickets each and their opener Adam Law reaching 44 not out.