HEXHAM Leazes are the early pacesetters in West Tyne League Division One. They made it two wins from two with victory at newly-promoted Stamfordham.

Despite a steady knock of 43 by the ever dependable Ian Donkin, the hosts were all out for 102.

Leazes bowler Bryn Davies took 3-28, while Andrew Green (2-30) and Mark Armstrong (2-13) took two apiece.

Andrew Webster opened the batting for Leazes, and his 37 runs helped Hexham to a total of 103-4.

Newton also maintained their 100 per cent winning record, cruising to an eight-wicket victory at Belsay.

The hosts finished on 153-7 from their 40 overs, with batsmen Matty Fenwick (33) and Richard Mills (25) both not out. Andrew Jones took 3-17, and Amila Prabandhika 2-28.

In reply, Newton openers Chris Wilkie (52) and David Lee (41) helped the visitors reach 154-2. Graeme Tolchard (29) and Matt Scattergood (16) were both not out. There were two wickets for Belsay’s John Fraser (2-33).

Mark Rowell scored 112 runs for Haltwhistle as his side enjoyed an away victory at Matfen, by 159 runs.

Graham Rowell hit 86, and Bartholomew Ryan added 61 as the South Tynedale outfit set a target of 294-5.

Matfen’s Kiwi bowler Henry Sail (2-29) and Jock McDonald (2-53) were the hosts’ top performing bowlers.

Matfen scored 135-9 in reply, with Ian Pilkington scoring 41, Eddie Scott 25, and Sail 20.

Haltwhistle’s leading bowler was Archie Richardson with 3-12, while Dan Kirkup took 2-11.

Mitford A won by five runs at home to Wylam. The hosts finished on 167-8, with Jonny Lees scoring 39, and P McKenna 36. Wylam bowler E Jackson took 3-19, and M Lamb 3-41.

The visitors came up short with 162-9 in reply. However, there were 39 runs for both David Teasdale and Richard Opie.

Heavy rain throughout Saturday morning and into the afternoon affected several matches in the West Tyne League.

Defending champions Humshaugh suffered a frustrating abandonment at Benwell Hill III, as they looked to carry on the momentum gained from their opening day victory over Belsay.

Another match with didn’t go ahead in Division One was the clash between Haydon Bridge and South Northumberland.

Saturday was the opening day for teams in Division Two, but only one game went ahead, with Stocksfield III enjoying a comfortable 166-run home victory over Clara Vale II.

Stocksfield set a target of 216-8 from their 40 overs, with Ben Ridley their top scoring batsman, with 79 runs. Michael Henderson added 38, while Joe Rourke was 26 not out. Avtar Dhillon took 3-26, and Barnaby Coulson 2-34.

In reply, Clara Vale II were all out for 50. Stockfield III’s leading bowlers were Steven Page (3-4) and Sarah Brunskill 2-3.

Allendale II’s home fixture against Wark was abandoned, as was Hexham Leazes II v Medomsley.

The match between Haltwhistle II v Stocksfield IIII also fell victim to the weather. Humshaugh II conceded their match against Mitford II, who were awarded 20 points.

A full programme of West Tyne League fixtures is scheduled for Saturday. In Division One, Humshaugh will be keen to return to action against Matfen Hall, who are still waiting for their first win of the new season.