BIG numbers from Mark Armstrong and Andrew Whitaker set Hexham Leazes on their way to an emphatic victory over Belsay in Division One.

A superb 117 from Armstrong, coming in at number five, complemented an impressive 85 from opener Whitaker, as the league leaders turned on the style in the top versus bottom clash.

They finished on 274-6, before toppling Belsay for just 88. Bowler Harry Fitton took 5-13.

Defending champions Humshaugh moved into second place with an eight-wicket win at home to Wylam.

The visiting attack was wiped out for just 27, with Luke Parkinson taking 4-7, Stephen Thompson 3-4, and Will Forster 2-6.

Wylam bowler Tony Parker (2-21) took the wickets of Humshaugh’s two Nick Reid (12) and Steven Arnup (0), but he couldn’t stop the hosts from reaching 30-2, with Owen Murtough 10 not out.

Haltwhistle are just a point behind in third place after winning at home to South Northumberland, by 77 runs.

Graeme Rowell’s 84, and a steady 40 from Lewis Swallow saw the hosts finish on 202-9. S. Kanakala took 3-28 for the visitors.

In reply, South North were restricted to 125, with J. Armstrong taking 4-30.

Haydon Bridge remain in fourth place after winning away at Stamfordham, also by 77 runs. Michael Cunningham top scored for the visitors with 43. Graham Adamson (2-25) and Ian Donkin (2-33) took two wickets apiece. In reply, M. Smith’s 34 helped Stamfordham reach 105. Bridge bowler Liam Stephenson took 3-17. Matfen Hall enjoyed a productive weekend, playing two matches and winning both. On Saturday they defeated Mitford by four wickets, after bowling their visitors out for 130.

Connor O’Leary took 3-31. Opener Henry Sail scored 42, while O’Leary added 49, as Matfen reached 131-6.

On Sunday, Matfen got the better of Stamfordham, by 74 runs. In-form O’Leary was 67 not out, and took 3-17.

Benwell Hill III defeated Newton by three wickets. Benwell bowler Aqeel Tassawar took 4-22, and Newton’s Dave Archbold 4-8.

In Division Two, Perry Hall scored an impressive century (102 not out) as Stocksfield III defeated Medomsley by six wickets.

Haltwhistle II defeated Wark by 22 runs. There were four-wicket hauls for Dan Turner (4-14) and S. Cheal (4-4). In Humshaugh II’s 139-run win over Allendale II, Glen Tweddle scored 72 with the bat, and also took 4-35.

John Welch also scored 64 for Allendale II, while Humshaugh II’s Adam Murphy contributed 51. There were half centuries for Tom Carmichael (54) and Martin McKenna (55) as Mitford II defeated Stocksfield IV by 92 runs. Joe Rourke took 4-36.