THERE was late controversy as Division Two leaders Mitford A lost their 15 point advantage at the top.

The front runners' lead was closed to one point at the weekend, and they were unhappy with an umpire's decision in the final over which declared the Wark batsman was safe in his crease before the bails were scattered by the home wicketkeeper.

With the game on a knife edge, Wark then went on to win the game as Lee Telfer edged a four for victory with the last ball of the game.

It was a costly defeat for Mitford as their advantage was significantly reduced as Belsay, Stamfordham and Mitford B all gained maximum points to heap the pressure on the table toppers who have played an extra game.

The game with Wark was an entertaining one, with the North Tyne side causing problems throughout. The bowling performance was a good one with contributions throughout the Mitford innings taking them to 139.

After taking three wickets, Greg McConnell starred in Wark's reply as he fired his way to a half century.

The wickets were shared around the Mitford attack to make things nervy for the visitors, but a late stand from Telfer proved crucial as Wark got a result which could have big implications in the title race.

Stamfordham built on their big victory over second placed Belsay from the week before to maintain their challenge, a comprehensive victory over Humshaugh I I leaving them seven points off top spot.

Humshaugh were only to make a collective score of 36 as they chased 134, Stamfordham's bowlers well on top as they gave little away in their 17 overs.

Captain Graham Adamson led the way with five wickets from his eight allotted overs, with fellow opener Benn Horncastle weighing in with three.

Ian Donkin then came in and took two wickets from his one and only over, with Liam Ridley the only one to make double figures for Humshaugh - and only just.

With Steve Thompson and Adam Murphy taking three wickets each, Stamfordham didn't have it all their way in bat but the early order of Guy Halbert, Donkin and Horncastle built a good platform which was helped later in the order b Paul O'Neill and Joe Lonsdale.

Victory over Clara Vale II kept Belsay hot on the heels of Mitford A.

They bounced back from their first defeat of the season to claim maximum points, reaching the score in 28 overs.

David Lee's half century and a good knock from Andy Moore saw Clara post a competitive total, but the rest of the order struggled for runs as Richard Mills came in and took three wickets.

After a slow start, Belsay were guided over the line by knocks from Jasper Gray, Jonny Hedley and Chris Townson, even if Dan Pollard did take three wickets for Vale.

Mitford B remain in touching distance of their club counterparts as they were the latest team to inflict a heavy defeat on Stocksfield IV .

The hosts were skittled out for 27 midway through the 17th over, unable to deal with some lethal bowling from Paras Patel and Rehman.

Elliott Trott took the early wicket of Joe Jackson, but the low total was easy pickings for Mitford as Tom Carmichael and Jordan Mallaburn geared them to safety off the first ball of the 11th over.