Williams and his colleagues finally returned to action after recently enduring a four out of six week absence from their favourite sport as the inclement weather dominated and decimated fixtures in the Wellstream Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League.

And it was Williams who bailed his side out of the mire as the Colliers appeared to be on a downward slope as they chased a target of 173 to win against basement side Backworth.

The right hander came to the crease as Paul Rutherford's side stuttered to 46-4 and after an important 35 runs stand with youngster Scott Dunn, Williams then instigated and played a leading role in a substantial match winning partnership of 81 with Dale Ross.

Williams initially did all he could to keep his wicket intact but began to hit the ball more forcefully as he and co-partner Ross got a scent of victory in their nostrils and it was fitting that Williams should strike the winning boundary from the second ball of the 48th over.

Bottom of the league side Backworth had been in identical trouble at 46-4 after 23 overs before Puri and Green initially staged a recovery to give the Welfare side a fighting chance which was followed by applaudable efforts from Bradford and Saini.

Pacebowler Stephen Boyd made the breakthrough when he had Mason caught behind for four by Daniel Grant – the first action of a busy afternoon for the gloveman – in the sixth over.

In his next over Boyd removed Walker for a duck in identical style before the visitors slipped to 18-3 when Robson was trapped leg before to Graham Whitworth also for nought in the 11th.

Chris Watson, making his first bow of the season at league level for the senior side, came into the attack as second change bowler andclaimed the scalp of Finchen for two in the 22nd over.

But Puri found an allay in Green with the pair adding 69 for the fifth wicket before a smart move from skipper Rutherford paid huge dividends.

For the start of the 37th over, Rutherford brought Whitworth back for a second spell and the right arm medium pacer not only broke the partnership – but was also on a hat-trick after removing both Puri and Green with successive deliveries.

The latter – who hit four fours and two sixes - was first to go with 38 to his name after Greg Williams had safely pouched a skier at mid-off and after the batsmen had crossed, Puri – after striking eight fours and one six in 67 - got a fine edge to the next ball, tickling a catch behind which was well taken by Grant.

However, if Ashington had thoughs of ripping through Backworth's lower order, then they were in for a shock as Bradford (27) and Saini (26 not out) added 57 from the last 13 overs, taking their side to 172-7 at the close, with Bradford stumped from the last ball.

Whitworth ended with figures of 3-37 from 12 overs; Boyd 2-32 from 14; Watson 1-27 from seven and Rutherford 1-53 from 11.

In reply, Ashington opener Neil Wood hit a cover drive for a boundary off Saini from the fourth ball – but missed the next delivery which shattered his stumps then in the sixth over, Boyd was caught behind by Robson off Cryer.

Puri got in on the action, removing Sample via an lbw shout and Stuart Tiffin, who was caught in the gully leaving Ashington in dire straits before the recovery began through Williams and Dunn.

After adding 35, Dunn fell lbw which brought Dale Ross to the crease and in an 81 runs partnership with Williams, the pair not only stifled Backworth's hopes but requiring five an over, took a stranglehold on proceedings.

Eleven runs were needed when Puri grabbed his third wicket bowling Ross for a gritty and purposeful 28.

Williams meanwhile, whose half century had arrived from exactly 100 balls, had the satisfaction of steering his side home with his fourth boundary in an unbeaten 60, accumulated in 128 minutes.

On Saturday, Ashington are away to Shotley Bridge.

Ashington 18 points; Backworth 6 points