TYNEDALE staked there claim as one of the region's best cricket clubs after an excellent victory over league rivals Alnmouth and Lesbury.

Despite losing out to the North Northumberland side in the league battle last season, Tyne got their revenge on Saturday to advance into the final.

Firing out of the blocks, Tynedale opener's Cant and Parker raced to 74-0 after 13 overs. Both openers fell short of half centuries, though, instead departing for 48 and 42 respectively after scoring 16 boundaries between them.

The impressive start was continued, however, with Fletcher scoring a quick-fire 50 off six overs, eventually finishing on 65. Tynedale posted an enormous 252-7 off 40 overs.

The Hexham-based side's bowling attack was relentless from the first over, and reduced Alnmouth and Lesbury to 60-8 with the win in touching distance.

This ruthless form with the ball saw only one of the first eight batsmen reach double figures.

However a stand of 50 for the ninth wicket edged the visitors to 164-9 off 40 overs, falling 88 runs short and sent Tynedale to the final against Swalwell.

There was less fortune for Tynedale second team, though. Facing an uphill challenge against Blyth first team, the side struggled early on.

Losing Scandle and Casper for a combined one was an early blow run, but double figure scores from Newton and Barber, and Byerley's 54 runs saw the side recover to score 145-7.

Positive in their bowling, Tynedale struck early on with Percival trapping one of Blyth's opener's LBW.

Despite the early breakthrough Tynedale II soon struggled as Blyth took a foothold in the game.

The next wicket didn't come until the 27th over, and by that time third batsman Bharti had scored 65 runs, which included 13 fours.

Tynedale continued to plug away at Blyth's batsmen, but the home side were edging towards the 147 target.

Byerley secured two further wickets, including the impressive Smith who scored 20 off 13, but Blyth soon reached the required runs with three overs to go.