BATSMEN made hay while the sun shone on Saturday, one match alone producing close on 500 runs.

That was at The Wicket between Alnmouth and Lesbury II and Berwick II.

The visitors won the toss and took first knock and, despite losing two quick wickets, made a decidedly useful total of 243 from their allotted 45 overs.

Brian Simmons top-scored with 115 and figured in an excellent partnership with Iain Thomson who hit 70.

Rob Parr's eight-over spell yielded five wickets for 60 runs.

The home side made light of their task and reached their target with seven overs to spare, Richard Neil leading the run feast with an unbeaten 62.

Robbie Jamieson helped Howick to a comfortable win against Tillside, following up a good innings of 75 with three for 22. Howick won by 132 runs.

Brian Thompson (56 not out) and Dan Patterson (67) saw Warenford to a seven-wicket victory over Warkworth who had posted a total of 198.

Wooler accounted for Rock by 26 runs in another game which produced more than 300.

Results:

Howick 198 (RI Jamieson 75, C Durie 38, J Durie 35, M Shearer 4-29) Tillside II 66 (RI Jamieson 3-22, A Durie 3-16).

Warkworth II 198-7 (K Puddephatt 56, S Dimlow 33, S Anderson 35, K Thompson 5-30) Warenford 204-3 (B Thompson 56no, D Patterson 67).

Wooler 176 (T Burston 37, M Gray 3-36, M Williams 3-24) Rock 150 (K Wilson 33, A Aitchison 4-14, R Matthewson 3-50).

Berwick II 243 (B Simmons 115, I Thomson 70, R Parr 5-60) Alnmouth and Lesbury II 249-5 (R Neil 62no, G Huitson 39, G McDonald 39, P Martin 39, L Pearson 41no).