Swalwell’s top Guy is Saxton

NORTHUMBERLAND AND TYNESIDE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

A SUPERB spell of bowling by Guy Saxton enabled Swalwell to end the unbeaten record of leaders Shotley Bridge with an emphatic 147-run victory.

Swalwell opener James Welch hit 13 boundaries in his 89 and, with Chris Hewison (51), put on 134 for the second wicket.

Joe Gibson took 3-23 as Swalwell finished on 230-7.

In reply, the leaders lost Greg Patterson off the first ball, Saxton taking a return catch and then removing Kieran Milburn.

Paul Greenwell was caught behind as the leaders fell to 30-3.

Saxton then continued to rip through the leaders’ innings as Shotley were bowled out for only 83, leaving Saxton with 7-25 from 12 overs.

Shotley’s first defeat saw their lead cut to only eight points, Ashington, Tynedale and Consett’s title hopes still alive heading into the final third of the season.

Ashington closed the gap on the leaders with a 87-run victory at home to Percy Main.

Openers Jack Jessop (79) and Dan Grant (68) put on 137 before Ben Harmison added 48 and Ben O’Brien 43 as the hosts posted 277-5.

Michael Phillips (76) and Fraser Oates (50) offered resistance before the Main were bowled out for 190 in their reply.

Callum Storey took 4-39 with Alex Storey wrapping it up with 3-8.

Tynedale convincingly triumphed at Ryton by 144 runs.

Euan Stephenson top-scored with 57 while Tom Cant chipped in with 38 as Tynedale finished on 213-8.

Sam Peter (4-25) and Matthew Scott (3-23 helped to bowl out their hosts for only 69 in their reply.

Consett secured an eight-wicket success at Stocksfield to stay in the hunt for honours.

Stuart Graham registered 5-31 as Stocksfield were all out for 124.

Consett required only 21 overs to reach their target with opener Jamie Bradley (78 not out) and Hassan Raja (34 not out) guiding their team comfortably to 128-2.