AND then there were two – a defeat for Middleton St George last week in the Newroc Homes Darlington & District League left just Ingleton and Middleton- in-Teesdale with pristine records after three matches.

George came up against two dragons on the day in Barningham, with Shane Rowley (5-29) and Adam Bellwood (5-63) breathing fire. Sixteen was the top score for the home team as Barney reduced them to the rubble of 99 all out. Colin Blackburn (53no) then steered the visitors to an angst-free sixwicket success.

That win pushed Barney into fourth spot, but at the same time Ingleton were consolidating their top position by overpowering Eryholme in a onesided affair.

Marcus Clark (44) threatened Ingleton’s poise when the visitors took first knock, but he had little support as Kenny Gamack (5-48) held sway. Iain Jackson (51no) then took charge of shepherding his side past the opposition total of 134 with eight wickets still in the back pocket.

Catterick Village enjoyed the half time break after humbling joint leaders Middleton-in- Teesdale for just 117. Ben Smith (5-48) and Craig Swainston (4- 31) were the two players who found their tea particularly sweet, but unfortunately it wasn’t long before there was a bitter taste in the mouth as Anthony Coatsworth (5-3) and James Metcalfe (3-3) ran amok to put the Villagers out of house and home for just 27.

Aldbrough St John’s ride into third place in the league proved quite bumpy as they just managed to sneak past East Cowton.

Mark Little turned in the bowling performance of the season so far as he ran through the home team at will, returning figures of 8-15 to leave Cowton with only 77 to defend.

But defend it they nearly did as Brian Tucker made St John’s innings an ambulance case.

Brian tuckered out five visiting batsmen for just 14 runs, and with Chris Smith chipping in with 2-14 Aldbrough breathed a sigh of relief as they scraped past the winning post with just one wicket standing.

There was another low scoring affair at Lands where Cockerton were beaten by seven wickets after only managing 86 first up. Michael Bredenkamp was once again in fine form with the ball as he grabbed four cheap scalps, and with Rob Little and Stephen Linsley picking up a brace apiece, the visitors were in disarray.

Andrew Elstob then proved there was nothing in the wicket to fear as he rattled up an unbeaten 46 to see the Lands army to a comfortable victory.

Mark Flood’s half century set Rockcliffe Park up for victory over champions Barton, and he was joined in the run scoring stakes by Lee Hart (33) and James Briggs (32) as Rockliffe romped to 189-7. Marc Lockey (51) gave Barton hope when the chase began, but Michael Bean (5-27) and Richard Howell (4- 47) made it a stroll in the Park as the home team won with 50 runs to spare.

In Division B three sides still carry 100 per cent records, Haughton, Middleton Tyas and Raby Castle, the most impressive winners being Castle who had 124 runs to spare against Dales.