HALTWHISTLE II were big winners over Hexham Leazes II as they earned maximum points.

Bowling their guests out for just 32 runs saw them win by 134 runs to keep them in the top five of the table.

John Kirkup batted well throughout as he made his 50 with ease, with Heppell forming a good early order partnership after opener Daryl Thompson went for a duck. Ben Teasdale caused some problems with the ball, taking four wickets at the cost of just five runs.

But Ben Cousins’ impressive season continued as he also claimed four wickets – but without conceding a single run from his 13 deliveries.

He wrapped the tail up after good work earlier in the innings by Thompson and Heppell, Foreman the only Hexham batsman to reach double figures.

There was a big victory for table topping Belsay as they defeated potential title rivals Stamfordham.

An unbeaten 50 from David Robson helped the front runners to 178, well assisted by good knocks from Jasper Gray and Matty Fenwick.

Two of the division’s leading bowlers were again on good form with John Fraser taking five wickets and Dan Tait two to limit the hosts to 131, Richard Gardener and Ian Donkin the biggest contributors.

With Ryan Potts taking five wickets and Paul Armstrong four, Wark ripped through Humshaugh II’s batting order. The visitors made just 42 runs as a result, Paul Brierley and Adam Murphy the only two to make double figures.

Wark lost seven men in their run chase as Michael Arnup turned the screw, but knocks from early order batsmen Turner and Greg McConnell saw them to safety.

While Mitford A were awarded 20 points when bottom side Stocksfield IV conceded, Mitford B were made to work a bit harder for their 20 points.

But they came through a comfortable eight wicket victory over Allendale II, 50 from Jordan Mallaburn helping them secure the maximum.

A good knock from Jake Reed helped Allendale past 100, but there were some good bowling figures registered by Mitford with Craig Mole finishing with 3-11. Jerry Taylor took two Mitford wickets, but the third wicket partnership of Mallaburn and Colin Crowe ended the game in the 28th over.