AN unbeaten half century by Jack Garrett stretched Humshaugh’s lead at the top.

He struck 13 boundaries in his innings of 75 as he steered his side to a six wicket win at Haydon Bridge.

Bridge skipper Robert Gibson won the toss and elected to bat first, opening up with Joe Barber.

The pair got off to a sound start, before Gibson was trapped leg before by Luke Parkinson for 14.

Barber then took command, before falling victim to Ed Crawford one short of a half century.

However, none of the Bridge batsmen was able to take full command, and the innings petered out to 182. Parkinson was the pick of the Humnshaugh bowlers, taking 3-27.

In reply, the league leaders faltered after the opening partnership by Allan Murray and Nick Reid.

But Garrett and captain Andy Crawford took command of the situation, with an unbroken partnership seeing their side home with maximum points.

Second-place Allendale fell off the pace, suffering a second defeat of the season, this time at home to Benwell Hill.

Third-placed Matfen had the edge in a high scoring game against Belsay.

Batting first, Matfen reached 222-6, largely thanks to a sound platform created by openers Ian Pilkington and Tom Scott.

The pair were also the pick of the Matfen bowlers, collecting seven wickets between them as Belsay finished 28 runs short of their target.

In another high-scoring game, Haltwhistle ran out winners at Hexham Leazes.

Set a target of 217, Haltwhistle passed the total with six wickets to spare.

Stocksfield remain one up from the basement after another defeat, this time at home to South Northumberland.

In Division Two, Stamfordham took over first spot from Humshaugh, thanks to a seven wicket win at Medomsley.

Humshaugh now trail them by one point, after slumping to a five wicket reversal at home to Mitford.