SKIPPER Andy Crawford opened the batting for Humshaugh as the West Tyne League Division One Champions played their first competitive match without newly-retired batsman Allan Murray. 

And Crawford delivered a performance befitting of the veteran, who announced last week that he was hanging up his bat at the age of 62.

Crawford’s 53 set the defending champions on their way to a comfortable home win over Belsay, with Jack Garrett scoring a tidy 65 after coming in at number five. 

After racking up a total of 217-8, Humshaugh’s bowlers made light work of Belsay, who were all out for just 42. 

There was a five-wicket haul for Matthew Williamson (5-18), while Will Forster (3-18), and Adam Murphy (2-2) all impressed.