Last updated 15:18, Thursday, 07 August 2008

Riding Mill entertained Ponteland at Broomhaugh on Sunday, with many not believing the game could have been played given the weather on Saturday.

Riding Mill won the toss and elected to bowl, this paying off immediately with Dean Owens bowling Newbiggin for nought.

Owens then removed Grieves for four and Ponteland looked in trouble against the excellent Owens and Nick Reid.

However, Wright batted sensibly and along with Bates put a 50 partnership together, with the latter hitting some powerful shots before being bowled by Law for 35.

Bates was quickly followed back to the pavilion by Barlow and Pinnock, both removed by Law who ended with 3-46.

The spin attack of Esh, Nitsch and Cairns then further put the brakes on the Pont innings with Cairns dismissing the dangerous Denyer for 21.

Owens and Reid then came back into the attack to finish the innings off with the former finally dismissing Wright for 94 to finish with excellent figures of 4 for 30 off eight overs, leaving the Millers needing a total of 176 for victory.

In reply, Cairns got off to a flyer, leaving Scott to play the support role.

The 50 partnership came off only eight overs.

Scott then found his feet and quickly the roles were reversed, with both men passing 50.

The first wicket fell with the score on 122 when Scott was dismissed by an excellent catch behind for a very well made 50, to continue an excellent run of form.

Cairns continued to bat with ease, punishing both good and bad balls.

Parker then dismissed Wallis and Meadows in quick succession, before a couple of lusty blows from Reid, before being unluckily bowled by Barlow, saw the Millers home with some 9.3 overs to spare. Cairns remained unbeaten on 83 in an excellent knock to ensure that the Millers’ great run of form continued.

Ponteland 175 all out. (Wright 94, Bates 35. Owens 4-30, Law 3-46, Cairns 2-23)

Riding Mill 176-4. Cairns 83 not out, Scott 50. Parker 2-34, Grieves 1-10)