It's been a bad few days for Newcastle City who, after being deducted ten points for a rule infringement, suffered a shock defeat at bottom-of-the-table Ashington - upsetting the form book with a two-run win.

David Rutherford was the match winner and the captain excelled with both bat and ball. He contributed an unbeaten 55 before taking four wickets for 33 runs in 12 overs.

Ponteland, who began the day just ahead of Ashington, also won but they had few problems despite facing a target of 259 set by Annfield Plain.

Graeme Carr made 101 for the visitors but his innings was surpassed by Ponteland's Lloyd Anderson who struck four sixes and 15 fours in an unbeaten 130 sharing an unbroken second wicket stand of 214 with Malcolm Clarke (94 not out).

Steve Magoffin (128 not out) was another century-maker in Swalwell's six-wickets defeat of Shotley Bridge whose formidable total of 258 for six included 114 by Peter Collingwood.

On a day when runs flowed, Lee Innes ended unbeaten on 132 in the Leadgate total of 204 for nine but his super effort was in vain as Tynedale won by four wickets. Joe Barber top scored with 70.

Mattie Milton contributed 84 and Tony Claughan a half-century to the Sacriston total of 271 for six at Greenside who went close failing by just 11 runs. Gary Rowell almost won the game when he was yet another player in the League to reach three figures.

Simon Prudhoe led Benwell and Walbottle to victory against Lintz ending unbeaten on 135 after Lintz had posted 206.