Birtwistle’s ton fails to save leaders

REIGNING Dukes North East Premier League Premier Division champions South North suffered a shock defeat at Felling.

But for Simon Birtwistle’s magnificent 108 not out, which included 18 fours, they would have been in even bigger trouble.

Harry Munton with 4-41 and Paul Leonard 3-41 did the damage as South North ended up on 164 all out in 51.5 overs.

Felling batted positively, Sean Dickson making 73 and Waqas Ali contributing 50 not out in their winning total of 167-3.

The victory over the leaders moved Felling up to third place in the table.

Eppleton batted first at Hetton Lyons and made 183 all out in 58 overs thanks to Sam Dinning’s 60 and Kyle Davis’ 40. Aaron Feroz claimed an impressive 6-58.

The Lyons started well in reply with opener Stuart Walker scoring 65 out of a final winning total of 186-3.

This victory helped the Lyons to close the gap between themselves and South North.

Benwell Hill found it tough going at Sunderland as Kieran Waterson returned figures of 4-20 from his 15 overs.

They eventually declared on 182-6 from 55 overs.

For the Ashbrooke outfit, Dan Shurben struck a fantastic 93 not out from 109 balls, including 17 fours, and Ross Whitfield junior 50 not out from 68 balls, including eight fours and a six, to steer them to 183-1.

Burnopfield piled up the runs at Tynemouth, finishing on 266-8 declared in 57.2 overs.

Rhys Brown hit 61 and David Seymour 71 as they put on 134 runs for the first wicket, then Alasdair Appleby cracked 44 from 40 balls.

The home side built up a steady total in response.

Matthew Brown posted 78 from 96 balls, including ten fours, and Stuart Poynter added 101 from 86 balls, including 13 fours, to guide them to a winning total of 270-4.

Newcastle reached 204 all out after being put in to bat first by visiting Burnmoor.

Ben Robinson made a brilliant 102 from 141 balls, which included 13 fours and three sixes.

For the Moor, Graham Clark smashed 98 from 70 balls, which included 17 fours and three sixes, and Ryan Pringle 51 not out from 25 balls to help their team to a seven-wicket victory at 205-3.