WORLD Cup final day brought the best out of Haydon Bridge’s cricketers.

While Ben Stokes and his England teammates were masterminding Sunday’s historic win over New Zealand, Bridge’s batsmen and bowlers were going full throttle in the West Tyne League Division One Cup final. They defeated league rivals Humshaugh by 100 runs in an emphatic performance, which finished just in time for all involved to watch the closing stages of the action at Lord’s.

The West Tyne cup finals day is always a spectacle, and this was no exception, as players’ families joined supporters on the sidelines at Prior’s Flat, the home of Hexham-based Tynedale Cricket Club.

Haydon Bridge batted first in glorious sunshine. Opener Joe Barber found the boundary with a series of big hits, before he was bowled by Andy Elliott (1-41).

Barber’s exit for 37 could have been a considerable blow for Haydon, but he was backed up by Robert Gibson’s tidy 32.

Dale Leadbitter came in at number four, and opened his shoulders to score 60 runs before he was finally run out by Humshaugh’s Elliott. Haydon finished on 148-4.

Humshaugh never gave up, and Neil Kendrew was stumped by Humshaugh skipper Andy Crawford from the bowling of Stephen Thompson (1-21).

In reply, Humshaugh never got going with the bat, and Will Forster, 10 not out, was their top scorer.

This was largely due to the form of Bridge’s bowlers. Liam Stephenson (4-11) and Barber (2-20) tore through the top order, while Gavin Boyd (3-0) bowled out the final three batsmen, as Humshaugh were restricted to 48.

Stephenson was awarded player of the match for his four-wicket haul.

During the presentation ceremony, West Tyne League president Richard Burrow said: “Today was all about Haydon Bridge. They entertained us with some wonderful cricket throughout the afternoon, and are very worthy winners.”

On behalf of the West Tyne League, he also thanked Tynedale for the use of their facilities. Winning captain Graham Pigg praised Humshaugh, and admitted they had encountered Haydon Bridge on a day when they were firing on all cylinders.

SCOREBOARD

DIVISION ONE KO CUP FINAL

HUMSHAUGH v HAYDON BRIDGE

Haydon Bridge won by 100 runs

HAYDON BRIDGE: J Barber b Elliott 37; N Kendrew st A Crawford b Thompson 5; R Gibson run out E Crawford 32; D Leadbitter run out Elliott 60; M Cunningham not out 1. Extras: 13. Total: 148-4. Bowling: W Forster 4-0 27-0; S Thompson 4-0 21-1; A Elliott 4-0 41-1; L Parkinson 4-0 21-0; B Jagger 4-0 32-0. Fielding extras: 3-2.

HUMSHAUGH: A Crawford b Barber 4; H Renton b Stephenson 4; R Forster ct Leadbitter b Stephenson 0; C Heslop b Barber 3; O Murtough b Stephenson 8; L Parkinson b Stephenson 1; A Elliott ct Barber b Taylor 2; W Forster not out 10; M Williamson b Boyd 3; B Jagger b Boyd 0; S Thompson b Boyd 0. Extras: 10. Total: 48. Bowling: J Barber 4-0 20-2; L Stephenson 4-0 11-4; J Taylor 4-1 8-1; M Elliott 2-0 6-0; G Boyd 1.3-1 0-3. Fielding extras: 3-0.