Henderson steers Whitburn to draw and leave South North frustrated

Lee Henderson hit a quite remarkable century (104no) in a total of 190-8 with 15 fours and a six, off 168 balls faced.

Johnathan Wightman returned the best figures for the visitors with 3-45.

The home side then had them deep in trouble at 32-4, but then a 73-run partnership between Marcus North (65) and James Miller (32) steered them to a comfortable draw in the end, finishing on 161-7.

In the Dukes ECB NEPL First Division, Boldon lost out to Sacriston.

Sacriston batted first and they accumulated 218-9 before declaring, with Ian Jones (49), Martin Hubber (50) and Reece Carr (30) making up the majority of the runs.

Anthony Brown with 4-45 and Umar Waheed 3-47, where the pick of the bowlers for the visitors.

Boldon then batted, but Graham Hubber with 4-30 and Callum Appleby with a brilliant spell of 5-15, soon dispelled any hope of knocking the runs off, with Sacriston winning by 134 runs.

Meanwhile in the Readers Durham Cricket League, Marsden continued to build some momentum as the season hits the midway stage came to a close at the Jack Clark Park against neighbours Boldon.

Boldon won the toss and decided to bowl in very damp conditions which caused a delayed start.

Marsden’s start wasn’t ideal with Porter and Elliott falling early, Mann and Jackson then built a strong partnership until Jackson fell for 24.

Sura Malinga – making his debut – arrived at the crease and with Mann (69) and they went on to make 100-3 from 16 overs.

Due to the loss of a number overs, Marsden made a very sporting declaration.

There was a large crowd gathered to watch Malinga make his debut and he didn’t disappoint, taking a wicket in his first over.

Malinga and Neilson bowled a great spell, taking early wickets with Boldon 40-5.

Paul Cook and Chris Mann came into the attack, and the two spinners bowled out the final five wickets to see Boldon 80 all out.

Skipper Mann said: “I’m delighted with the positive performance, we really forced the win.

“I’m very happy with the balance of the team and from a bowling point of view, I believe we have one of the best bowling attacks in the North East.

“Our batting has been a little disappointing, but with the attitude and the undoubted ability within the team, it’s only a matter of time this all comes together.”