Alnmouth and Lesbury CC slip to defeat as Alnwick CC hang on for battling win

Alnmouth and Lesbury CC suffered a 56-run defeat at the hands of Consett CC on Saturday following a difficult innings with the bat in hand.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Consett ran up a total of 154 before they were bowled out in the 47th over, with Madawa Sachinthana Warnapura recording an impressive 51 to lead their charge. Chalana De Silva was the hosts’ most effective bowler, taking three wickets, while Brian Brooks and James Peart both claimed two apiece.

With their targets set, Alnmouth and Lesbury began their chase in earnest, but struggled to properly find their rhythm at the crease. Peart, De Silva, Tom Vickers, and Archie Elder all reached double figures, but without a standout turn to build their efforts around, they would eventually slump to a final tally of 98 all out in the 27th over. Visiting bowler James Radcliffe was a particular thorn in their side, claiming five wickets for just 20 runs across his nine overs.

Elsewhere, Alnwick CC saw of Ashington Rugby CC by a single wicket in a tight encounter. Michael Kirkup and Max Harrison both took three wickets each, with Joshua Wilson contributing another two, as the away side were eventually bowled out for 155 in the final over of their innings. A 61 from Cory Milburn, including eight boundaries, provided the backbone of their tally.

From there, Alnwick set about reeling in their opponents at pace. A 43 from opener Harrison, followed by a stellar 81 from Wilson - including 14 boundary knocks - left them in a fine position before a series of ducks set nerves jangling. A timely 10 from Owais Kiyani would steady the ship for a short while, and in the end, Alnwick had just enough to squeeze over the line, ending the afternoon on 156/9 inside 30 overs.

And finally, Warkworth CC’s clash with Berwick CC was abandoned with just a handful of overs remaining. Berwick posted an eye-catching 202/9 before Warkworth took to the crease, and the contest was still very much in the balance when the match was called off with Warkworth on 159/4 with seven overs left to play.