Another win for the in-form 1st XI

Bates 1st XI 10th win of the season over Alnmouth cemented our place in the Premier League for the 2011 season. A tremendous opening burst from Telford and Kilner reduced the Northumbrian's to 4 down very quickly, leaving stand-in skipper Symington to sustain the pressure with 4 for 20, ably assisted by Cragg with his wily off-spin. Only Vickers gave sustained resistance, with 6 boundaries in his 43. A last wicket stand of over 40 gave them some hope, 123 being the final total.

Despite losing Tulip early, Welch and Symington scored brightly and steadied the innings, but not even a 3 wicket burst from Neil could dent the Bears' charge, Welch continuing his remarkable season with another 50 by hitting his 9th four to arrive at the target comfortably.

Man of the Match: Ross Symington (4 for 20 and 27 runs)

Close game at Bomarsund Welfare

Winning the toss, Bates 2nd XI decide to bat under sunny skies in Bomarsund.

After a solid start, 2 quick wickets fell, leaving D.Robinson and Gibson to steady the ship, putting on a solid 52 for the 3rd wicket. Bomarsund tried to stem the flow of runs with a dual spin attack, Scope being impressive until hit for a classy lofted four over extra cover by Gibson. Drinks proved the turning point, Gibson rocking back to pull a short delivery from Peacock that never rose, trapping him in front LBW for 27. After a disastrous run out for D.Robinson, Bates were in real trouble, and eventualy fell all out for 114.

Needing only 9 points to secure the Championship, Bomar looked confident, but superb opening spells from R.Elliott (3 for 25) and captain G.Dennis (1 for 20) reduced Bomar to 24 for 4. Scope and Storey dug in, and once they saw the opening bowlers off, they coasted towards the winning runs. Scope eventually fell after an entertaining knock, but Storey stood firm and hit the winning runs with a cheeky sweep off middle stump off Gibson's first ball for four.

A deserved Championship for Bomarsund, but Bates can hold their heads high as they exit for Division B2 and a period of rebuilding for the clubs prodigious youth programme!

Man of the Match: Robbie Elliott (3 for 34)

Hi everyone just a quick message to say that the Winter Nets have been arranged to start 31st January 2010 from 12pm-2pm at Cramlington Sporting Club. Hope to see everybody there to get ready for a new season and to start the preperation for a long and hopefully successful season.