HAVING lost the opening three games of the season, reigning champions Haydon Bridge looked well out of the running to challenge in 2015.

But they are now odds on to secure the runners-up spot as a ninth consecutive victory moved them up to second with one game to go.

The league‘s in-form team could well have been challenging new champions Haltwhistle more closely had it not been for such a lousy start.

They jumped above their rivals into second following their convincing victory against an under strength Haltwhistle side only able to field nine men.

With Chris Welton out of action, Bridge looked to promote 13-year-old Liam Stephenson up the order but it didn’t quite work. Ian Watson and Robert Gibson put on a 70 run partnership, captain Graeme Pigg then forming a 50 run pairing with Gibson after Watson‘s dismissal.

When they departed, Haltwhistle rattled through the tail and the final five wickets went for just seven runs as Phil Thompson finished with six to his name.

Haydon Bridge continued their excellent bowling form with Jamie Taylor again star man as he made things really difficult for the Halty batsmen.

Partner in crime Tom Waugh provided his usual assistance, although he was frustrated as he was edged for fours on a couple of occasions. Only Thompson really hung around for Haltwhistle as the weakened team were all out on double figures.

Ben Thompson reached his first half century of the season for Hexham Leazes - and went on to make his ton as his side inflicted a heavy defeat on relegated Prudhoe .

While the away team didn’t bowl badly, Thompson and his captain Ben Griffiths were in free scoring mood with the skipper coming close to 50 of his own until caught well at extra cover by Gary Chamberlain.

Paul Newton batted well alongside Thompson who relaxed into his stride once he passed 50, easing up and whacking his way to his first big score of the season.

The final total looked well out of sight for Prudhoe particularly when they lost Ryan Chamberlain, Gavin Howdon and Gary Chamberlain without getting the scoreboard moving.

Dan Toward and Newton made life really difficult, and Prudhoe fell way short despite good contributions from Zurawlew, who hit six fours, and Dan Tate, who included five fours in his 22.

Stocksfield II still harbour faint hopes of clinching second spot after their comfortable triumph over Matfen Hall .

With Matfen opening the batting, they found runs hard to come by and they had only 20 runs on the board after the opening 20 overs. New Zealander James D‘Arcy typified this stance with just 16 runs from 27 overs!

But Stocksfield’s bowling was tight throughout, Ant Allen and Tom Hutton putting the pressure on early in the game with Ben Hutton finishing with the excellent figures of 1-1 from his six overs.

Stocksfield were sensible in reply with Adrian Marrison leading the run chase, the team surviving a mini wobble to pick up the 12 points to keep them in the hunt.

Wylam slipped up as they dropped down to third, picking up four points in their defeat to Benwell Hill III .

After the early loss of Rory Hanley, Benwell were off to a flyer as both David Ladd and Dan Hunter reached their half centuries. In came Darshana Thiranga to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Wickets started to fall soon after with Kevin Marshall taking three wickets, but Benwell had been put in a good position by their good start.

Wylam‘s batting performance was way off key as they struggled to get going, their usual big hitters coming a cropper to tight bowling.

Towards the end of the innings, Andrew Jewitt turned the screw to leave Wylam requiring a result at Haltwhistle to realistically stand any chance of finishing runners-up.

Looking to cap off a great season, Stamfordham go into the final weekend in the top half of the table following a big win at Allendale .

Relegation candidates in years gone by and fielding only 10 men for the trip to the Allen Valleys, a brilliant batting display helped them to maximum points.

The home side opened the batting and had to contend with some good deliveries from Stamfordham pair Richard Gardener and Ian Donkin.

Tim Raglan, who was dropped early on, and father John played sensibly to get the scoreboard ticking along nicely, with Jack Raglan continuing the trend when he joined brother Tim.

John Welch and Amit Sunda contributed once the trio of Raglans departed, but Stamfordham cleaned up the tail to boost their chances of victory.

Aamir Riaz went cheaply, but the pairing of Guy Halbert and Alex Gray proved a match winning partnership as they smashed their way to half tons.

Gray finally departed but the reliable Donkin joined Halbert to see Stamfordham home and keep them just one point ahead of Newton .

Newton travel to Stocksfield looking for a final day victory to lift them into the top six, and they will travel full of confidence after a good performance against an under strength Humshaugh .

Matt Scattergood starred with the ball with six wickets and Andrew Jones claimed three as they ended Humshaugh’s run chase well short.

Newton started brightly as they batted first, Chirs Wilkike, Dinak Rawlley and Andrew Jeffrey all solid. But things started to turn sour and they were only able to post 125 by the time the overs ran dry.

Humshaugh, missing key batsmen Hedley Renton and Nick Reid, had captain Allan Murray and Andy Elliott in the double figures as they opened, but that was as good as they got as they crashed out for just 57.

l Stocksfield are celebrating their red haired contingent on Sunday at 1pm.

They are able to field 11 players from their four adult teams with ginger hair, and will pit them against a select XI from elsewhere in the club.

The game is scheduled ahead of preparation work on the square for the 2016 season, which starts on Monday.