Northumberland Leagues

Sep 7 2009 The Journal

Stephen Smith (3-24 and 45no) was the inspiration behind Leadgate’s five-wicket win at Ashington, and Ryan McVitie (81no) took the biscuit for Lintz where there were no crumbs of comfort for a Ryton team beaten by 83 runs.

Blue Flames set the SG Wealth Management Northumberland League title race alight as they scorched to a 156-run home win over Blagdon Park, while Alnmouth were frustrated by the weather in Berwick.

With the former top dogs forced to take just the five points for their abandoned match, the door was left ajar for the Flames, and they duly burst through with a performance that earned them a maximum return and the leadership of the league by two points with one match remaining.

Andy Storey was the Flames’ guiding light with the bat as he stroked eight fours and two sixes in a carefully constructed 82 that enabled the home team to post 204-9. Keith Brown (5-17) and Neil Hurren (4-21) then got into the Park in double-quick time and closed them down for just 48 in 25.1 overs

Bomarsund’s relegation was confirmed – but how close they got. Bomar fell by just two runs at home to Clara Vale in a game where neither side could master a feisty surface. Bowlers dominated proceedings, Gary Mordey (6-46) drawing a veil over Clara’s innings for 105, and Mohammed Riaz (8-42) running through the hosts for 103.

In the day’s other games that got a start, Warkworth defeated Corbridge by four wickets and Bedlington ensured Kirkley will have to worry for another week after walloping them by 139 runs.

CHRIS WEST