Rain ruins North East Premier League

In their annual match with MCC, rain prevented any play after lunch at Chester le Street and the North East Premier League XI had to settle for a draw.

The League side, captained by Peter Howells, bowled first in the one-innings match.

Blaydon youngster Joseph Reynolds clean bowled Glayzer and Bartram of the MCC before spinner Kris McShane of South Shields had MCC skipper Cooper caught by his opposite number Howells.

Off-spinner John Malkin had Mulholland caught behind to leave the MCC on 136 for four. At the other end, while the wickets were falling, Mark Dale - who plays for Benwel Hill in the NEPL - compiled an unbeaten 86.

Heavy rain during the lunch interval meant a resumption was not possible and the umpires abandoned the match as a draw.