Swalwell swept aside the challenge of Ashington to go to the top and send a message to their rivals.

Last season was the first time in eight years they had not been crowned champions, but they were playing a familiar tune on Saturday as they powered to a 158-run victory.

Their imposing batting line-up gave them the type of total they wanted, with Lloyd Anderson (77 from 95 balls) and Lee Innes (60 not out from 51 balls) headlining as the home team posted 245-5.

Anirduh Singh, the Ashington pro, was chasing his fourth ton in four innings, but Guy Saxton cleaned up second ball.

Saxton’s opening blast gave him four wickets to leave the Colliers in tatters as their first five batsmen mustered just 12 between them, and a brief recovery was then nipped in the bud by Lee Whitfield (3-26) and Nicky Phillips (2-20) as the visitors crashed to 88 all out.

Shotley Bridge, who started as one of only three unbeaten teams, maintained their challenge for honours with a nine-wicket mauling of Leadgate.

The visitors were shot out for 78 in 32.2 overs, Stuart Graham outstanding in a 12 over stint in which he conceded just 15 runs and claimed five wickets, and with Gary Johnson chipping in with 3-28 Bridge took control. The run chase was completed two balls into the 21st over, Kieran Milburn and Paul Greenwell hitting nine boundaries between them as they both finished 32 not out.

That win lifted Bridge into second spot, a point ahead of surprise package Percy Main, who hammered champions Tynedale by 114 runs.

Barry Stewart was again their inspiration, top scoring with 71 from 134 balls in Main’s 223 in 50 overs, and then picking up 4-14 from 12 overs as Tynedale were sent packing for 109, David Anderson bagging the other bowling plaudits with his spell of 5-32.

In Division A2 the records were tumbling at Benwell & Walbottle where Aussie Anthony Quarrell set a new club NTSL individual high when he blasted 29 fours and a six in 195 not out scored from 151 balls. Quarrell lifted his side to a new record total of 411-4 against Whickham, who fell 314 runs short - bowled out for 97.