JAMIE Taylor excelled with both bat and ball as Haydon Bridge maintained their impressive early season form in Division One.

He took 3-21 at home to Mitford, as the visitors were all out for just 89, while Tom Waugh helped himself to 3-13. Taylor was top scorer with 38 runs, as the hosts raced to a total of 94-4.

Haydon Bridge overtook Hexham Leazes at the top of the table, having won four of their opening five matches.

Leazes went down by four wickets at defending champions Humshaugh, after being bowled out for 85 from 31.2 overs.

Andrew Green was Hexham’s highest scoring batsman with 30 runs, but it was a good day for Humshaugh’s bowlers, with Will Forster (3-7) and Luke Parkinson (3-38) taking three wickets each.

The hosts took 22 overs to reach their target, and finished on 86-6, fuelled by a knock of 33 by Hedley Renton. Leazes’ best bowlers were Green (2-27) and Dan Toward (2-31).

Third placed Haltwhistle won by 130 runs at Newton. An outstanding 134 from number three batsman Graeme Rowell helped them to a total of 285-7. Newton’s Chris Wilkie took 3-46.

In reply, Wilkie top scored with 29 as Newton finished on 155-6 from their 40 overs. Lewis Swallow took 3-20.

Benwell Hill III are fourth in the league table after a thumping 10-wicket victory at home to Belsay. The visitors disappointing start to the season continued as they were all out for just 32.

There was a much closer encounter at Wylam, who defeated Stamfordham by 43 runs.

A 79 from James Teasdale added weight to the hosts total of 184-8. There was a four-wicket haul for Jack Schofield (4-45).

The impressive Schofield also performed with the bat, scoring 36, as Stamfordham were all out for 141. Tony Parker took 3-24.

The first tie of the season took place at South Northumberland, where Matfen Hall were the visitors.

Owen Hollins hit 33 as South Northumberland reached 144-8. Matfen’s Aaron Tiffin took a superb 4-15.

Justin Dempsey top scored with 27, as Matfen finished on 144-9. Richard Clifford took 4-30 and Jack Patterson 3-19.

In Division Two, Stocksfield made it four wins out of four as they defeated Hexham Leazes II away from home.

Matthew Page was on form, hitting an impressive 116 not out as his side reached 228-2, before declaring with five balls to play. Tim Willis and Toby Willis were the wicket takers for Leazes.

In reply, Rob Willis was 77 not out, but Hexham finished their 30 overs on 164-4. There were two wickets apiece for Luke Masters and Shaun Sagar.

Wark are second in the league table after their seven-run victory at Mitford II. G Jeffrey scored 34 and Paul Armstrong 32 as the visitors reached 154-8. Gary Nicholson took 3-23.

Tony Cook scored 46 as Mitford II came up just short on 147-7.Wark’s Lee Telfer took 3-8.

Humshaugh II won at Haltwhistle II by 25 runs, with Adam Murphy scoring 56 as the visitors totalled 211. There were three wickets each for J Johnstone (3-33) and D Heppell (3-11).

Despite a steady 55 from Chris Smith, and 37 from Lewis Swallow, Haltwhistle II could only manage 186-6 from their 40 overs.

Stocksfield IV won by two wickets at home to Allendale II. Terry Sparke was 27 not out as the visitors finished on 107-7. Emily Ward took 3-26, and Sarah Brunskill 2-28. Andrew Newton was 17 not out as Stocksfield IV reached 108-8. Mark Fleming took 3-24.