STOCKSFIELD got back to winning ways in Division One with a convincing win away to Lintz.

A commanding 66 not out from Aaron Rourke, and a superb five-wicket haul from bowler James Tolchard were the highlights of a memorable day in County Durham.

But it wasn’t all plain sailing for Stocksfield. After being put into bat, they were struggling at 32-3 before skipper Steven Henderson (39) and Dan Whiley (40) steadied the innings.

Crucial runs were added further down the order, with Rourke (66) and Tolchard 38) both undefeated as Stocksfield set a target of 255-8. Benjamin Fielding (3-47) and Nick Young (3-42) were the pick of the Litz bowlers. In reply, the hosts were all out for 143, despite the efforts of Young (56 not out).

In addition to Tolchard’s 5-49, Andrew Wood took 3-16, while Rourke and Sam Beedle took one wicket apiece.

After two strong performances to open their new season, Tynedale suffered their first defeat of the campaign at home to Swalwell, by three wickets.

Euan Stephenson was Tynedale’s best performing batsman, scoring 38 undefeated as his side slumped to 106 all out.

Swalwell’s bowlers were on top form, with Stephen Smith taking 4-26, Gary Saxton 3-22, and Nick Phillips 3-13.

An impressive 65 not out from opener Lloyd Anderson set Swalwell on their way to 111-7, despite the efforts of Tynedale bowlers Josh Shuard (5-34) and Josh Renton (2-37).

Tynedale captain Tom Cant said: “There were some positives with Euan Stephenson continuing his excellent early season form with the bat, and Josh Shuard taking his first five wicket haul for the club in a fast spell of bowling. We will move on to the next game against Annfield Plain. I’m confident of a response from the lads.”

In Division Two, there were three wickets for David Waters (3-27) as Ponteland lost by three runs against Leadgate.

Chasing a target of 124, the hosts came up just short. Opener Stuart Taylor (36) was their top scorer as Ponteland were all out for 109.

Corbridge were victors in Division Three, as they defeated Benwell and Walbottle by 72 runs. Marcus Sewell hit 45 as his side set a target of 149. Benwell were all out for 77, with Russell Perry taking 4-29, Corey Dover 2-8, and Daniel Owen 2-26.

League newcomers Allendale made it three wins out of three, as they defeated Backworth II by 136 runs.

There was another century (140) for skipper Tim Raglan, while fellow opener Tom Scott scored 25 as the hosts finished on 196.

Backworth could only manage 60 in reply, with Scott taking 4-16 and Liam Pringle 3-14.

In Division Four, Stocksfield II defeated Civil Service by 162 runs. Jonny Tobin was 89 not out as the hosts finished on 260-5.

They bowled out their opponents for 98, with Antony Allen taking 4-21 and Ben Ridley 3-35.

Ponteland II won by nine wickets at home to Swalwell II. The visitors were all out for 147, with Parminder Singh enjoying a five-wicket haul (5-38). John Lumb (39) and Paul McReady (69) were both undefeated as Ponteland reached 148-1.

In Division Five South, Tynedale II lost by two runs against Leadgate. Matthew Percival and Jake Roberts picked up two wickets each as Leadgate finished on 200 all out. In reply, Tynedale were 198-7. Ollie Fletcher scored 66, while Percival was 51 not out.

Chris Jowsey was 56 not out as Corbridge II defeated Civil Service II by 85 runs in Division Six South. Liam Haney took 4-40.

In the same division, Riding Mill were 25-run victors over GEMS I, with Kiel Zurawlew scoring 58, and Brian Watson taking 3-38.