Last updated at 10:16, Friday, 18 September 2009

Ponteland Second XI ended their successful season in style with a comprehensive nine wicket demolition of Consett.

Having lost the toss, Pont were asked to field on what was the hottest day of the season.

It was a chore the home side did not mind carrying out, however, as some tight bowling saw them restrict the visitors.

Opening pair Wayne Denham and John Hill both produced tight spells with Hill claiming excellent figures of 1-8 from his eight overs as Consett struggled.

With the top order batsmen seemingly reluctant to play any shots, skipper Chris Morgan turned to the spin of Andy Denyer and Dave Waters to try and entice the visiting batsmen into action.

And it was a plan that worked. Denyer took 3-26 from his 10 overs while Waters claimed career best figures of 5-11 in an excellent spell of spin bowling.

His namesake Alex Waters from the visitors was the only shining light in an otherwise disappointing batting display as his unbeaten 29 put the visitors to 80 all out.

In reply, Pont were cautious at the start and themselves scored at a low run rate in the first ten overs.

Nevertheless, the opening pair of Howard Wright and Alex McLean soon got going with Wright launching two sixes, including one over the Leisure Centre roof.

After McLean was dismissed, Wright was joined by Keith Crerar who helped his vice captain take the side through to victory and an easy nine wicket win with 25 overs still remaining - Wright finishing on 54 not out.

After a mid season blip, the side have finished in strong fashion with four consecutive wins meaning they finish in an excellent position of third.

Morpeth and Lanchester are promoted to Division B1, which in the eyes of skipper Morgan, is a fair reflection of how the league has gone this season.

First published at 09:49, Friday, 18 September 2009
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk