TYNEDALE set down a marker for the new season with an emphatic 172-run victory over Newcastle City in the Northumberland and Tyneside League Division One.

The first XI put on a dazzling performance in front of their own supporters at Prior’s Flat on Saturday, with 21-year-old Josh Renton taking a superb six-wicket haul (6-20).

Another youngster, 19-year-old Euan Stephenson excelled with the bat, scoring 71, while experienced skipper Tom Cant scored 67 runs, and took four slip catches during a memorable day for the home side.

Cant said: “For a first game of the season I couldn’t have asked any more from the lads. Individually and collectively we were fantastic all day and we have set our benchmark high. Josh and Euan were outstanding, and it’s always great to see players who have come through the club’s ranks perform in senior cricket.”

Tynedale won the toss and Cant led by example, scoring 67 before he was caught by Omar Ahmed, from the bowling of Ihsan Ul-Haq. A steady knock of 40 runs was put together by James Rainford, while Stephenson contributed his best innings so far, of 71.

New signing Josh Shuard marked his competitive debut for Tynedale with 17, as the hosts set a target of 259-9. Ian Stubbs (4-61) was Newcastle’s best performing bowler.

City were all out for just 87, with Palav Kumar their top scorer with 20, his wicket falling to Shuard (1-20). From then on in it was the Renton show, as the youngster took six wickets from 7.4 overs.

Elsewhere in Division One, Stocksfield won at Lanchester by 69 runs.

There were several notable batting performances from Steven Henderson (44), Sam Beedle and Rob Thirlwell (39), and Aaron Rourke (34 not out), as Stocksfield finished on 201-8. Rourke took 4-33 as Lanchester were all out for 132, with Beedle, Thirlwell, and Matthew Tobin all taking two wickets each.

Ponteland lost by 70 runs against Cowgate Sports in Division Two. Josh Gardner (3-46) was their best performing bowler as Cowgate reached 211-9. In reply, Ponteland were all out for 141. Jonathan Appleby was 42 not out.

In Division Three, Corbridge were winners over Blagdon Park, by 25 runs. Nathan Shoesmith was 58 not out as his side reached 190-8. Blagdon Park were all out for 165, with Finn Garret-Jowsey (4-27), and Andrew Dover (3-35) Corbridge’s best bowling performers.

Ponteland II lost against Newcastle City II in Division Four, by six wickets. Ponteland were 174 all out, with Paul McReady (46) their highest scorer. Mohammed Zeeshan Tahir, Andy Denyer, Anish Krishnan, and Liam Cosgrove got the wickets as Newcastle reached 175-4.

Stocksfield II defeated Clara Vale by four wickets in Division Four. Alistair Thirlwell (5-15) and Jonny Tobin (3-22) were in form as the visitors were restricted to a total of 91. Opener Tobin scored 36 as Stocksfield II reached 95-6.

In Division Five South, Tynedale II went down by 35 runs at Cowgate.

U14 bowler Jake Robson starred for Tynedale, with two wickets from his six overs, as Cowgate finished on 224-4. In reply, Tyne finished on 189, bowled out in the final over to pick up maximum batting points.

In Division Six South, Corbridge II defeated Riding Mill by four wickets.

Liam James scored 56 as Riding Mill finished on 191-8.

Corbridge finished on 192-6, with Graeme Tiffin scoring 45 runs. Corbridge’s Connor Garrett-Jowsey (4-39),was the pick of the bowlers.