A David Bedingham century on his Gateshead Fell debut saw him help the Fell secure a winning draw over Eppleton at Eastwood Gardens in the NEPL Division 1. Having lost the toss, Gateshead Fell asked Eppleton to bat – with the visitors Eppleton posting a solid 253/5 from 55 overs as their overseas professional Madawa Sachinthana Warnapura led the way with an unbeaten 126 from 139 balls. (David Bedingham image, Colin Ebdale)
In reply Gateshead Fell lost both their openers Paul Underwood (9) and Michael Elliott (19) early which brought Bedingham to the middle. He crashed his first ball though the covers for 4 as he went onto score 102 from 61 balls with 10 fours and four sixes. Once he fell to Abdul Ameer, Gateshead Fell batted out the remaining overs to close on 194/7 and claim the winning draw.
George Drissell was in the runs and wickets for Sunderland for the second consecutive week as his contributions helped Sunderland to a commanding 7 wicket win over Sacriston. The home side Sacriston won the toss scoring a huge 305/8 from 52 overs, as former Durham player Sol Bell top scored with 119 from 127 balls, before he was dismissed by George Drissell who picked up 2/50 from 11 overs. Sunderland were comfortable winners chasing down 305 in just 45.5 overs with Dan Shurben scoring back-to-back centuries. George Drissell then smashed a 20 ball 40 with 5 fours and 3 sixes as Sunderland remain top of the Division 1 table.
47 from Mitchell Killeen in 67 balls put Ashington on their way to a big win over Burnmoor at Langwell Crescent. Burmoor won the toss and elected to bat scoring a competitive 261/6 from 52 overs. Opening the bowling Mitchell Killeen claimed 2/40 from 11 overs dismissing Ross Greenwell and Paul Craig. Jack Jessop scored an 160 ball century backed by 47 from Killeen as Ashington chased down 261 in 57 overs.
Stanley McAlindon struck with 3/25 from 11 overs as Chester le Street moved up to second in the NEPL Premier Division with victory over Felling at Ropery Lane. The home side won the toss and elected to field with McAlindon claiming his first wicket when he bowled Tyler Easton for 38 after the former Eppleton batter faced 113 balls with 5 fours and 1 six. Stanley then wrapped up the Felling innings as he dismissed Sebastian Allison and Paul Leonard, with Felling being bowled out for 166. An unbeaten 81 from Jacob McAnn and an unbeaten 50 from Robbie Dawson at 6 helped Chester le Street win in 43 overs.