Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League: Stephen Humble and young Mark Stoneman certainly enjoyed the Backworth attack at Derwenthaugh.

Any hopes the visitors harboured of saving the game after posting a near-200 total were quickly dispelled by the pair who were in unstoppable form.

Humble carried his bat for 107 and Stoneman ended unbeaten on 87 as 201 runs were recorded without a single wicket falling into the hands of the Backworth attack.

There is no change at the top of the table. Malcolm Small (73), Phil Carlin (67) and Kevin Dixon with 34 not out propelled Lanchester to 240 for the loss of six wickets against Shotley Bridge at The Spa.

Newcastle City stay second. They reduced Lintz to just 112 for nine before securing an eight wickets win when Sohail struck 54.

Annfield Plain's batsmen also found the going difficult on their visit to Tynedale, where they were back in the pavilion for just 58. The home side finished on 183-7.

There was certainly no shortage of runs on a very good Sacriston wicket. Openers Stephen Ball (52) and Tony Claughan (84) led the assault on the Leadgate attack and a total of 256-9 was achieved in 50 overs - enough for a 17 runs victory.

Ashington were another side to score freely, making 249-7 on their visit to Ryton. David Rutherford was man of the match with 75.

Whickham strengthened their grip at the top of the Division A2 with an easy win over Ponteland whilst nearest rivals Consett went down to Morpeth.