IT'S advantage Belsay as the title race in Division Two hots up.

Victory over fellow title contenders Mitford B keeps them within 14 points with a game in hand, realistically turning the championship charge into a two horse race with current leaders Stamfordham .

Belsay skipper Allan Johnson won the toss and put his title rivals into bat first, and they got off to a good start through opening bowlers Dan Tait and Chris Townson.

Tait, who has been in impressive form all season, claimed the wickets of Neil Head-Rapson and Jordan Mallaburn, with Townson seeing off Tom Carmichael.

Change bowlers John Fraser and Jonny Hedley maintained the pressure, with Fraser particularly in good form as he claimed three wickets including the important ones of Matthew Lees and Neil Brewer who looked dangerous.

Mitford finished the innings strongly with Paras Patel, Michael Briggs and Matt Edwards all sticking around until Richard Mills came into the attack and dismissed all three as Mitford ended on 142.

Johnson and Jamie Brock went after the score as they opened for Belsay, sensible batting seeing Johnson hit five fours and Brock seven on their way to a match-winning opening partnership.

Hedley then added 14 but a quick 32, including three fours and two sixes, from Jack Fenwick to help Belsay create breathing space between themselves and Mitford.

Stamfordham will be sure to mount a challenge throughout and they cruised to maximum points with an emphatic victory over Stocksfield IV .

They were in great form with the bat as they whacked their way to 282, before skittling their visitors out for just 41 runs.

Wark closed the gap on third place following their comfortable victory over Hexham Leazes II .

Making the trip up the Tyne, Leazes started well as they opened the batting as Tony Crosby and Matt Joyce looked solid at the crease.

However, Greg McConnell accounted for both with a good knock in the middle order from Simon Richardson sending Hexham past 100.

With great support from fellow opener Mick Turner, a half century from Graeme Jeffrey guided Wark to the victory with 27 overs.

Mitford A were presented 20 points as a result of visitors Humshaugh II conceding.