Chester-le-Street raise the stakes

One more heavyweight innings from Simon Birtwhistle and another bumper win bonus for his side Chester-le-Street and the Northern Rock North East Premier League could be heading for one of the closest finishes of the competition.

Chester-le Street emerged as the main challengers to South Northumberland for the 2008 title after scooping a maximum 30 win bonus from their resounding win at home over Tynemouth.

Birtwistle's majestic 121 provided the backbone of Chester-le-Street's 240-8 declared though only Wayne Ritzema (30) offered any significant support and when Tynemouth took their turn at the crease, Luke Evans return of 4-30 helped to dismiss the visitors for 158.

Five-time champions South Northumberland made light work of overhauling Stockton at Gosforth as Stephen Humble seared through the opposition taking 6-21 to despatch the Teessiders back to the pavillion for just 53. Chris Hooker claimed three top scalps in the South North reply but Stockton never had enough to bowl at, and the league-leaders recorded a seven-wicket success.

There were no fewer than five half centuries in the match at Denton Bank between Benwell Hill and Durham Academy. The Academy had first use of the wicket, and rattled up 275-4 with contributions from Ben Raine (90), Scott Borthwick (75) and Durham's Liam Plunkett (62).

In reply, the Hill's second wicket pair of David Myers (53) and Uzair Mohammed (63) had them on course for a win, but Borthwick followed up his batting heroics with a five wicket haul that left the home side playing out time with nine wickets down for the draw.

Newcastle lost their captain Matt Hynd in the week, but the Jesmond-based club still fell to their eighth loss from eight games, a seven-wicket defeat by Wearside rivals Sunderland. Newcastle batted first but struggled through 35 overs for 97 all out, with Mohammed Akram claiming 2-7 from 8 overs, and Chris Rushworth 4-40. When Sunderland batted, Stewart Walker smashed a run-a-ball 49 to lead the Wearsiders to victory.

A fine all-round display from Graeme Bridge helped Blaydon to a 94-run success at Gateshead Fell. Blaydon batted first and made 206-9, with Bridge top-scoring on 59. The former Durham man then featured with the ball as the Fell were dismissed for 112, Bridge claiming 4-21 including the key wicket of Gateshead Fell pro Martin Bekker (32).

South Shields are enjoying their second season in the top flight, and on Saturday proved too strong for Norton at Station Road. The home side were bowled out for 175, with Jonny Wightman claiming six wickets. In response Geoff Cullen (63) and Paul Muchall (58) saw Shields home, despite the loss of late wickets.