THE summer finally arrived and Alnmouth were welcomed to Mitford Park for the final game of the season.
Mitford, needing to win to secure third place in the league, fielded a strong team against a team which had started well but who had faded in the latter part of the season.
Mitford opened the bowling with Lawson and Lees. The early overs were chess-like with few runs and Lees especially beating the bat on regular occasions.
After 10 overs Alnmouth had only reached 16-1. A good stand between Huitson (49) and Poole (23) pushed them on until Crowe tempted Poole into a loose clip off his legs to A Lees at square leg.
Mitford didn't help themselves by dropping a number of catches. Alnmouth were able to use up their 45 overs, reaching 156 for 7, with Lees taking 2-49, Lawson 2-24 and Crowe, Gaynor and Ellinor (1-5) picking up the other wickets.
Needing 157 to win Mitford made a hesitant start with Crowe falling early for 7 to the swing of Sewell. However, Ellinor and Dunn posted a solid stand before Dunn departed for 26. Lawson strode to wicket dispatched three balls and then holed out for 10.
Davies limped to the wicket following his ankle injury in the field earlier and with Ellinor took it steadily, Ellinor collecting his fourth 50 of the season before he mis-timed a pull-shot and was caught at mid-wicket.
Davies (46no) was beginning to develop a less painful batting style which was reaping rewards and, supported by Wade (7) and J Lees (4no), he was able to carry the team to the victory target of 157, finishing agonisingly close to his maiden 50 for Mitford.
In collecting 17 points, Mitford secured third in the league, their best finish since the early 90s.