Morpeth cricketers still on course for title despite defeat to closest challengers

The Longhirst-based outfit will have to do it on the last day of the season after suffering a heavy defeat to nearest challengers Swalwell on Saturday.

The Tyneside team scored 230/8 thanks to a knock of 80 by Daniel Stanley with Morpeth’s Alex Senior claiming 4/43.

In reply, Morpeth were bowled out for just 140 despite a solid opening stand by Adam Lawn (23) and Liam Day (27). Matthew Hughes and Chris Younger did the bulk of the damage with three wickets apiece.

The 90-run defeat means Morpeth go into their final fixture against Whickham with a 13-point advantage.

Alnmouth and Lesbury thrashed Annfield Plain by 182 runs as they cemented fourth spot in the table.

They amassed a mammoth 316/8 with Chalana De Silva scoring a magnificent 108 off just 68 balls, ably assisted by Edward Brunton (71) in an opening stand of 175. Annfield Plain hit 134/6 in reply with De Silva taking 2/14.

Ponteland beat Matfen by 66 runs but remain bottom of the table.

In Division 2, Warkworth lost by three wickets to top of the table Bedlington. The castle outfit made 152, with M Phillips making 89 of them. Bedlington reached their target for the loss of seven wickets.

Blagdon Park won by six wickets against Bates Cottages to stay in second spot.

Tillside are in fourth spot after easing to a nine wicket win over Corbridge. Joe Bickerton claimed 4/7 as Corbridge were skittled for 85. He then made 34 not out, with Ben Brassell unbeaten on 37 as the Etal side reached their target for the loss of just one wicket.

Alnwick won by 98 runs against Cowgate Sports. They reached 260/4 with M Harrison making 101 and taking three wickets. However, J Wilson was the pick of the bowlers with 5/35 as the Newcastle club were bowled out for 162.

Berwick, second bottom in the league, lost by 49 runs against Blaydon. The Tynesiders made 229 but Berwick were all out for 180 despite a knock of 42 from skipper Martin Hush who reached 4,000 runs for the club.