FIRST team captain Dan Whiley recorded the highest individual score by for a Stocksfield player in more than 20 years as he moved his side into the top two.

Not for the first time this season, the skipper’s century guided the team to a big win as the Tyne Valley visitors came away from their crunch trip north with a vital 19 points against the team starting the day in second place.

With previous leaders Tillside earning just one point from their eight wicket defeat to Morpeth, Alnmouth went top and Stocksfield second.

Whiley’s match-winning final total of 149 not out is the highest score reached by a batsman in any of the club’s teams since Francis Wood managed 10 runs more in a West Tyne League match-up against Allendale in 1995.

Enjoying his first full season opening the batsman, Whiley continued his excellent form with the bat as he stayed at the crease throughout Stocksfield’s innings.

Facing 164 balls, he hit 14 fours and two sixes before his team reached the target with two overs remaining to prevent him improving on his great knock. His score was the deciding feature in a high scoring game between the two promotion hopefuls, both orders expansive in their approach.

Archie Elder and Paul Straker saw hosts Alnmouth off to a good start, making 50 before Elder was bowled by James Doneathy.

The wicket disrupted the home side’s momentum with Doneathy striking again by taking the bails off Charles Anderson’s stumps.

At 77-2, Straker and Tom Vickers put on a brilliant partnership of 84 to significantly up the run rate.

Straker, after six fours and a six, finally went to a catch by Steven Henderson off Aaron Rourke’s bowling, with Vickers run out by Henderson just after making his half century.

Alnmouth were reeling when James Tolchard bowled Brian Brooks with the next ball.

From 170-5, the hosts recovered through Callum Batey and Jonathan Ridley, although Henderson’s good performance in the field saw him run out the latter.

Alnmouth passed 200 and reached the end of their 50 overs on 226, Andrew Wood bowling Robert Burnett and Whiley running out Matthew Willcocks.

With Whiley in great form with the bat, he and Luke Doneathy saw Stocksfield to 73 without loss.

Doneathy departed to a catch by Anderson off Straker, with the bowler having Ben Archer caught by Batey with the score on 93-2.

Sam Beedle came and went, with Tris Douglas reaching double figures before becoming Straker’s third wicket when leg before.

With Whiley just five runs shy of his century, Henderson was caught by Burnett as Brooks claimed a second victim with Stocksfield still requiring 75 runs for the victory. Whiley opened up even further and peppered the boundary as Matt Bewick played the perfect anchor role, guiding Stocksfield to a big win which leaves them one point off top spot.