AN incredible batting performance by skipper Tim Raglan kept Allendale’s hopes of promotion alive.

The opener scored an outstanding 266 not out against Clara Vale which led his side to a comfortable 200-run victory.

It saw Allendale clinch third place in Division Four, which earned them a play-off game against Whitley Bay, with a place in Division Three at stake.

It means Allendale are within a chance of promotion in their debut season in the Northumberland & Tyneside League.

Raglan’s unbeaten innings included 25 sixes and 12 fours, from 175 balls, as Allendale finished on 354-8. Clara Vale were all out for 154, with Liam Pringle taking 4-31, and Jake Reed 3-25.

On a dramatic closing day of the league season, Tynedale’s title bid fell at the final hurdle, as they lost by 27 runs at Consett.

Skipper Tom Cant took 3-24 as Consett were restricted to 189-8. But former Tynedale captain Stuart Graham came back to haunt the Hexham-based side, as he took 4-26.

Mark Dixon claimed 3-27 as Tynedale were all out for 162. Euan Stephenson top scored with 34.

As Tynedale secured third place, Cant said: “The aim at the start of the season was a top three finish, which we managed to achieve. But after being in a position going into the final game to win the league, and also achieve promotion, there was plenty of disappointment on Saturday night.

“The team has developed well over the season to improve on last year’s sixth place finish, and we will be looking to kick on again in 2020.”

Cant revealed that long serving brothers David and Paul Newton will both retire this summer.

He added: “We hope to keep the same squad minus the Newton brothers, who will retire together. They have been fantastic servants and their experience will be a great miss.”

As Tynedale lost away from home, there was joy at Prior’s Flat as the club’s second team finished second in Division Five South, gaining promotion to Division Four. Tynedale II defeated Consett II by 67 runs.

Nathan Byerley scored 76 runs, and Paul Scandle 41, as the hosts reached 208-6.

Despite 63 runs from opener Jamie Bradley, Consett II were all out for 141. There were four wickets each for Edward Foreman (4-24), and Byerley (4-32). George Cook claimed 2-0.

It was a mixed final day for local sides. In Division One, Stocksfield ended the season with a disappointing 10-wicket defeat at Alnmouth & Lesbury.

Stocksfield were all out for 108, as home bowler Dushan Hemantha took a six-wicket haul (6-31). Alnmouth & Lesbury reached 112-0, with openers Jonathan Craigs (40), and Paul Straker (62) both undefeated.

In Division Two, Ponteland were winners by 51 runs at Tillside. Benjamin O’Brien was 66 not out, while Intisaar Fazal scored 55, as Ponteland reached 194-6.

Tillside were all out for 143. O’Brien capped a memorable day with a five wicket haul (5-36). There were two wickets each for David Waters (2-20), and Ian Smart (2-21).

There was a home defeat for Corbridge in Division Four, with Warkworth claiming victory by 88 runs. Matthew Potts scored 101 as the visitors finished on 224-8. Russell Perry took a five-wicket haul (5-21).

Despite a steady knock of 40 by David Cook, Corbridge were all out for 136.

Division Four champions Stocksfield II finished the season in style. They won at home to Whickham II by 117 runs. The hosts set a target of 187, with Ryan Chamberlain scoring 68, and Alistair Thirlwell 55. There were six wickets for Oliver Cooper (6-27).

Paul Brown took 4-20 as Whickham II were all out for just 70.

Also in Division Four, Ponteland II were big winners against Whitley Bay II, by 201 runs. John Lumb scored 94 as his team reached 244-7.

Liam Cosgrove took a magnificent 6-14, while Andy Denyer claimed 2-17, and Parminder Singh 2-0, as the North Tynesiders were all out for just 43. In Division Five North, Kirkley won by 149 runs at home to Tillside II. The hosts finished on 274-6, with Michael Nicholson scoring 84, and Richard Chapman 59.

There were three wickets apiece for Andrew Horner (3-11), and Nicholson (3-28), as Tillside II were all out for 125.

In doing so, Kirkley secured second place in the division, behind champions Seaton Burn, after winning 13 of their 22 games.