RETURNING to action after completing his A-levels, Rob Thirlwell played a big role in helping Stocksfield to a dramatic win over Bedlington.

The 18-year-old's (3-17) introduction helped restrict the hosts to 150 in their chase, falling six runs shy of Stocksfield's 156 in the reduced 30 over game.

With 13-year-old Luke Doneathy (2-38) keeping things tight in the final over, they picked up 19 points which gives them a boost in their pursuit of improving on their position in sixth.

The game was delayed by two-and-a-half hours due to the rain, and Stocksfield were put into bat first once it finally got under way.

They suffered an early setback when Alex Brown (4) left one only to watch the ball hit his off stump, taking the score to 11-1.

But the pairing of Ben Archer (23) and Tris Douglas (47) ticked the scoring along and their aggressive style added 50 to the scoreboard.

They were in a good rhythm but Archer was stumped, bringing captain Daniel Whiley (27) in earlier than usual as Stocksfield really went for the runs.

As the team reached 90, Douglas went big looking for his 50 but was caught in the deep to leave him just short.

Andy Wood (2) came and went, while Whiley and Doneathy (10) batted through the overs with the end in sight.

They, and James Watson (0), went within quick succession, but Thirlwell (17*), Ryan Chamberlain (11) and Emerson Brown (5) took them past the all-important 150 mark.

The tactic of slow bowling on a damp wicket brought early rewards for Stocksfield, with Emerson Brown (2-34) striking in the opening overs.

Bedlington's number two Chris Younger (57) refused to give anything away, even if his top order counterparts struggled against the bowling from Brown and Wood (2-26).

The home side were in trouble on 46-5, but a partnership of 33 between Younger and Craig Robinson (35) put them back in with everything to play for.

The introduction of teenager Thirlwell put Stocksfield back in the driving seat, taking the pivotal wickets of the two dangermen.

Bedlington went into the final over needing 10 for the victory, but Doneathy kept his cool to restrict them to just three runs and win it for his home village.

Stocksfield III went down by 73 runs as they failed to reach Leadgate II's total of 208-4.

Aaron Rourke (4-39) claimed all the wickets for Stocksfield, with David Tyrrell (32), Paul Newton (30) and Chris Catnach (22) in the runs for Stocksfield.