Junior cricket: O'Brien the star turn as Chester Under-18s outgun Burnmoor

Josh O’Brien’s terrific 73 not out, with seven fours and a six, steered Chester to 140-2, supported by Joe Riley (33) and James Wilson (13).

Riley Blunt fired a brilliant 60, with nine fours and a six, but Burnmoor fell short, bowled out for 95. Adam Ridley made 15, with Vaibhav Tiwari (3-6) leading the bowlers, while Harry Days and O’Brien both struck twice.

Sacriston defeated Eppleton by six wickets.

Joe Blacklock (16) and Liam Smiles (15) top-scored as Eppleton struggled to 75-7 as Dom Scott and Nathan Hall both struck twice.

Hall (19) and Charlie Winn (17) then eased Sacriston home in 11.5 overs, despite two wickets apiece from Blacklock and Marcus Brown.

Philadelphia (116-5) fended off Hetton Lyons (103 all out) by 13 runs.

In the South East Division’s John Lowery Memorial Trophy, Ryhope progressed to the semi-finals by beating Horden by eight wickets.

Bowman (59 not out) and Adam Scott (19) led Horden to 107-5, then Matthew Kirtley’s unbeaten 54 inspired Ryhope to victory, backed by Nathan Bennett (26no).

In the North East Division, Whitburn succumbed to a 10-wicket derby defeat to Marsden after making 151-5.

Luke Smith (50), Dominic Mallaby (22) and Matthew Downey (22) led Whitburn to a decent total, but Liam Curry’s unbeaten 81 and an undefeated 50 from Amess gave Marsden the spoils with 10 balls to spare.