Swal going very well for the leaders

NORTHUMBERLAND AND TYNESIDE SENIOR LEAGUE

DIVISION A1 leaders Swalwell are still unbeaten this season following victory in the top-of-the-table clash against Tynedale at Derwenthaugh Park.

However, it was a very narrow win - by just 11 runs.

The Gateshead outfit now have a 27-point advantage at the top with the halfway stage of the campaign coming up this weekend.

Put into bat, the home side made 169 all out thanks to the top seven batsmen getting into double figures.

Lee Innes top-scored with 33 and Lloyd Anderson hit 23, but good bowling from Thomas Cant (3-46), Matthew Percival (2-40) and David Newton (2-36), helped to keep the score down.

Tynedale made a positive start and opener Sam Mannion scored a patient 34 off 88 balls, including five fours, and then shared a 59-run partnership with skipper Cant, who made 54 from 100 balls - including three fours and two sixes.

At 134-3 the visitors were cruising, but excellent bowling through the middle order allowed Swalwell to take the last seven wickets, including two run-outs, for just 24 runs.

Guy Saxton (pictured) removed both openers and then dismissed James Rainford for figures of 3-21 .

Ross Sinclair took 2-30, including Cant’s wicket, and then bowled Euan Stephenson first ball.

John Meadows also claimed two vital wickets for just 11 runs and eventually Tynedale were all out for 158 in their innings.

Swalwell secretary Bill Scott said: “We were delighted with the win as these games are sometimes difficult to judge.

“It must have been a great game for the neutrals but not for the fans and players!

“The club is quietly optimistic but there is still a long way to go.

“We will take nothing for granted but everyone is very happy with the situation so far. this season.”

Elsewhere, Lintz overcame Percy Main by four wickets, Shotley Bridge beat Ponteland by 119 runs and Lanchester saw off Ryton by 45 runs.

Ashington accounted for Consett by 80 runs and Newcastle City were 31-run victors over Leadgate.