Hartlepool just survived at Marton after Mohammed Zahid formerly of Normanby Hall destroyed the Hartlepool reply away at Marton. Only Michael Gough was able to counteract the threat as wickets tumbled regularly. Hartlepool closing on 131 for 9 with Gough out for 98. Thara Gunarathne with 5 wickets, Gough 2 and Palmer 1 seemed to have given Hartlepool a chance as Marton finished 191 for 9 after 48 overs with the match restricted because of earlier rain. Zahid had other ideas as he reeled off maiden after maiden to put Hartlepool deep in trouble. The draw in the end was the only respite but Hartlepool collected only 6 points as the poor run of form continues.

Marton v Hartlepool

Hartlepool seconds began the league campaign with a home victory over Wolviston. It did not come easily as some poor fielding allowed Wolviston to build a very competitive total of 193 for 9 in 45 overs. Jamie Burke was the star for Wolviston with 65 and Chris Smith 3-39 and young Adil Ahmad 3-41 being the pick of the bowlers. With the match reduced by 10 overs because of rain before the start and a long outfield the total was always likely to cause Hartlepool some problems. After James Johnston and Peter Rhoden departed early the task looked even harder. Hashim Ahmad was at his attacking best as he set about the bowling. He eventually fell for 52 but Hartlepool were back on track. Wolvistion hit back and it needed a brilliant winning stand between Shiraz Kasi 52* and Chris Smith 24* to take Hartlepool home. Kasi was in great form hitting four sixes as he quickly turned the match round to see Hartlepool home by 4 wickets with 7 overs remaining.

Hartlepool 2nds v Wolviston