BOWLERS were on top when leaders High Farndale beat Spout House in the Feversham League.

Spout House batted first and soon found themselves in difficulties as Stuart Dowson picked up three early wickets at the cost of 15 runs in his five-over spell.

Charlie Allott stood firm for a while but his dismissal for 12 brought about a House collapse, gleefully engineered by J Hunt, who achieved a hat-trick, eventually conceding just five runs from his three overs.

Stalwart James Blacklock also had figures of 2-2 as Spout House could only muster a rather undistinguished 39 all out.

High Farndale did not have it all their own way when they batted either. Dan Smith made life difficult for them, taking 3-11 in an accurate spell of five overs. However, M Todd’s 14 proved to be the deciding factor as, with 15 balls to spare, Farndale gained a four-wicket win.

The final week of the league season will be bust with five matches still to fit in, including Spout House versus Slingsby, which was postponed last week due to rain.

Meanwhile, High Farndale’s Supplementary Cup tie with visitors Gillamoor was called off - after Gillamoor forgot about it.

League spokesman Charles Allenby said: “Afternoon rain had cleared, and the High Farndale ground was fit for play by the time the home team arrived. Sadly, Gillamoor failed to turn up, citing forgetfulness as the reason.

“To say it was disappointing is putting it mildly, and certainly is an example of why the future of the Feversham League must inevitably be clouded in doubt.”