HALTWHISTLE moved a point clear at the top of Division One an emphatic victory at struggling Stamfordham.

The South Tynedale side, inspired by seven-wicket Dan Kirkup, bowled their hosts out for just 82.

Kirkup (7-19) was backed up by Archie Richardson (3-10). Haltwhistle comfortably reached 85-2 in reply, with Ben Lloyd 24 not out.

Defending champions Humshaugh bounced back from their Knock-out Cup final defeat the previous weekend, with a crucial away victory at Matfen Hall. It was a tense encounter, with Matfen finishing on 91-8 from their 40 overs. Michael Watts and Ian Pilkington both scored 25. Will Forster took 3-10 and Luke Parkinson 2-19.

Humshaugh used 37.4 overs to chase down their target, but they got over the line, finishing on 92-9. Robert Forster top scored with 26. Matfen’s Justin Dempsey took 3-16, while there were two wickets apiece for Aaron Tiffin, Connor O’Leary, and Ian Pilkington.

There was also a big win for third placed Hexham Leazes, who disposed of Newton by eight wickets. Leazes bowled their visitors out for just 46, with Ross Davies (3-15), and A. Green (3-7), both taking three wickets. In reply, Davies (19) and Billy Kingman (13) were both not out as Leazes reached 47-2.

Newly-crowned Knock-out Cup champions Haydon Bridge maintained their league challenge with a home win over Belsay, by 129 runs.

Opener Joe Barber top scored with 42, while Jamie Taylor contributed 41. Belsay were restricted to just 46 in reply, with Gavin Boyd taking 4-7, and Taylor 3-8.

South Northumberland defeated Mitford by 15 runs. Tristan Meears-White scored 41 as visitors South North reached 171-8. Matthew Lees took 3-51.

Despite the efforts of batsmen Chris Kirtley (44), Kieran Mole (33 not out), and Stu Hills (36). Mitford were restricted to 156-5. There were two wickets each for Trudy Johnson (2-25) and O Tauqir (2-30).

Benwell Hill III defeated Wylam by eight wickets. C. Pounder took 4-11, and H. Reeves 3-4.

In Division Two, leaders Stocksfield III were victors over Mitford II by four wickets. Shaun Sagar and Steven Page took three wickets each as Mitford II were restricted to 142-8. Elliott Jackson notched up 49 runs as Stocksfield reached 144-6.

Geoff Ellison scored 47 as Wark defeated Medomsley by 51 runs. Chasing a target of 175, Medomsley came up short (124-9) despite an impressive 59 from Jack Slane. J. Herdman took 3-17.

There were some eye-catching performances in the match between Haltwhistle II and Hexham, Leazes II. Hosts Haltwhistle were fuelled by batsman Chris Smith, whose superb 79 helped them on their way to a total of 192.

Leazes’ Ben Teasdale took 4-42, and Rob Willis 3-49. But in reply, Hexham could only muster 63-9. Robert Graham took 2-9, and A. Heppell 2-3.

Sean Cunningham hit a stunning 86, Glen Tweddle 74, and Ben Carter 56 not out, as Humshaugh II clocked up 309-5 against Stocksfield IV.

Mark Jacobs top scored with 34 as Stocksfield IV finished on 102-9. Michael Arnup took 4-18.

Allendale II were victors over Clara Vale II, bu 40 runs. J. Welch scored 64, and Terry Sparke 43, as hosts Allendale totalled 151-7. Ray Marley took 4-18, and Ian Muggeridge 3-30.