Rain causes more problems (From Durham Times)

Rain causes more problems

8:00am Monday 16th July 2012 in Sport By Chris West

Just when you thought it was safe to come out of the water the weather was at it again, as it once again caused problems in the various league programmes.

Durham Senior League leaders Castle Eden were unable to soak up the remnants of the midweek downpours and their home game with Kimblesworth failed to start, but with Burnmoor handed an opportunity to go top, rain stole an hour of their game at Eppleton which ended in a frustrating draw with the home team struggling on 117-7, still 41 runs adrift of the Moor's 158.

The modest ten points Burnmoor took at least lifted them to within a point of the Castle, but the biggest movers were Felling who squeezed 26 points out of their home win over Norton, despite only posting a target of 126.

Chris Taylor played a captain's innings, his late 40 eventually proving the difference as Chris Goudie (6-25) and Paul Leonard (4-57) mopped up the Teessiders for 107.

Crook were left cursing when their big game against Durham County League leaders Esh Winning was swamped by torrential rain just when they looked to launch a victory bid.

David Lawlor's 64, which included seven fours and four sixes, was the backbone of a decent Esh total of 203 from 43 overs, but Steve Chapman's five wickets pegged the visitors back when they looked like pushing on to a much bigger score. Andrew Pratt (30no) and Chapman (20no) then rushed Town to 52-0 in 9 overs before the heavens opened.

With the two teams above them picking up just ten points each Willington seized their opportunity to barge back into the title race as they swamped Langley Park by 162 runs, a super efficient team display taking them above Crook into second spot.

A 73-ball century from Tudhoe's Simon Davies, and 91 from skipper Ross Hodgson, rushed Tudhoe to a declaration on 201-1, but rain rescued home team Mainsforth who had collapsed to 47-8.

Murton won the top of the table battle in the Durham Coast League, victory taking them 26 points clear of the new second-placed team Dawdon won the Seaham derby with the Park.

Richard Bentley's return to the Murton team was timely, he took 6-24 to add to an invaluable 19 not out earlier in the day as Easington crashed for 61 when chasing just 91 for victory.

Seaham Park thought they were in with a shout when posting 138 first up at Dawdon, but Shoaib Akhtar batted sensibly to snuff out their hopes with an unbeaten 56, Dawdon easing to an eight wicket win in 42 overs.

The weather is certainly keeping the title race interesting in the NTSL.

With new leaders Swalwell outmanoeuvred by the rain and having to settle for a draw at Sacriston, Tynedale grasped the opportunity to reclaim top spot with a confident performance at Chopwell.

A fascinating battle was being played out at Sacriston before the elements intervened, the home team posting a challenging total of 237-8 thanks to a brilliant display from Moh Ali who cracked five fours and seven sixes in a superb 127. Swalwell (64-2) had already used up almost 17 of their 50 overs when the monsoon hit.

Tynedale's Tom Cant (110no and 4-45) was the match winner as his team racked up 250-5 at Chopwell and then bowled their hosts out for 184 to reclaim the leadership, while Shotley Bridge did themselves no harm with a six wicket win at Percy Main inspired by Phil Brown (4-30 and 40).