Start of their Cup defence proves Just too easy for Kirkwood

JUST Sport Cup holders Kirkwood began the defence of the trophy of the trophy with a comprehensive 84-run victory over NE Tamils.

Kirkwood posted 161-7, Mukhtar Hussain hitting a rapid 56 off only 22 balls despite Gokul taking 5-24.

Their bowlers then shared the wickets – Bukhari leading the way with 4-24 as the Tamils were restricted to 77-9 in their reply.

Northern Rangers amassed 147-7 – led by 41 from Taz Rahman – to beat league newcomers Wylam CC by 40 runs, Wylam reaching 107 with Yiash and Habib claiming three wickets each.

Henry Brandon scored 61 not out as Park House totalled 117-5 with an over to spare to beat Whitley Bay Glow-Worm.

Young James McMeekan impressed with 0-25 in his four overs and Don Catley claimed 3-36 . For Whitley, Craig Sample top-scored with 32 not out and opener Mark Harris contributed 25 – but 116-8 was not enough.

Genetics stormed to 176-4 off 14 overs – J Roxborough 49 not out and P McCarthy 40 – before restricting the Eagles to 93, E Edminson taking 5-38.

GEMS defeated Bates Cottages by 43 runs, posting 118-8 before dismissing their opponents for 75.

For Bates, Kevin Golightly took 3-45 and P Merryweather 3-18 with Raza (3-14) and Javed Mirza (3-12) performing well for GEMS.

Kirkley held Eaga Odd Boys to 103-7 – of which Rob White contributed 66 – with Andy Horner claiming 4-30.

Kirkley then prevailed in the final over with just four wickets down.

Blue Flames enjoyed a sevenwicket success against High Stables and North Star beat Civi Service.