Humble’s six of best in tight win for leaders
LEADERS South North are still remain unbeaten in the Premier Division after a narrow two-run win at Whitburn.
The home side must have thought they the game in the bag when they skittled South North out for just 75 runs off 24.1 overs.
Bowlers Craig Smith, with 5-28 off nine overs, and Ian Elliot, with 5-15 off 7.1 overs, ripped open probably the best batting line-up in the league – and only three batsmen made it to double figures.
Opener Simon Birtwisle made 18, including four fours, Rob Peyton scored 15, including three fours, and Jonathan Wightman – with two fours – added an important 14 late in the innings which proved decisive in the game.
When the home side batted, South North’s attack struck early, Stephen Humble (6-29) removing skipper Daniel Shurben and Jonathan Wightman (3-28) having James Thompson trapped in front – without either troubling the scorers.
Humble was brilliant with the ball and, although Paul Shields (10) and Durham’s Brydon Carse (15), slightly steadied the ship, he was practically unplayable.
Later on, though, Mark Elliott with 12 and Craig Smith with 18 nearly edged Whitburn home and the last wicket put on 14 – but Birtwisle had Elliott trapped in front to win the game dramatically.
Secretary Gordon Halliday said: “The wicket was not the best, with some balls keeping low and some taking the top off, and the ball was misbehaving quite a lot. We are pleased with the win and perhaps at 35-8 it should have been over sooner – but they rallied a little near the end of their innings.”
Second-placed Newcastle also prevailed at home to Hetton Lyons.
The hosts batted first and amassed 233-6 off 30.1 overs, thanks to 35 from openers Alasdair Appleby and 64 from Durham’s Cameron Steel.
Joshua Phillipe (46) and skipper Jacques Do Toit (41), then smashed the ball to all parts to bring an early declaration.
The Lyons were in trouble at 14-2 before Jonathan Malkin made 56 and Josh Coughlin 37 – but Callum Harding (4-16) dented the Wearsiders’ hopes of a draw as they ended on 149 all out.
Benwell Hill are third and maintained the pressure on the top two with a 45-run success at South Shields.
Felling lost at home to Tynemouth and are now 16 points adrift at the bottom.