Northallerton are clear leaders of the Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League after the first of the bank holiday weekend games.

They moved top of the table as the only team with a 100 per cent record from the three games played so far as early rivals, Marton, who are now second, Marske and Bishop Auckland were frustrated in drawn finishes.

Northallerton enjoyed an impressive victory over Hartlepool with their outstanding professional, Rashmi Parida (89 not out) and the in-form Doug Mulholland (5-45 in 13 overs) the matchwinners. Parida, who hasn't been out in his three innings, has already topped 200. Pool were confined to 164 with Jon Barnes (3-60 from 25 overs) and Liam Botham (2-22).

Marton got the bulk of the points in their drawn finish at Bishop Auckland where Graham Shaw made an unbeaten 121 and then took four vital wickets. His century came from 111 balls and included 13 fours and two sixes, while he only conceded 17 runs with his bowling. Set 230 to win Bishops were handed a good start from Scott Oldfield (60) but were 66 runs short of the target with three wickets in hand.

The other drawn conclusion came at Great Ayton where a real thriller was in prospect until Marske professional, Rob Nicol fell just three runs short of a century. The villagers had posted 226 with half centuries from Anthony Doyle and Colin Murray but Marske fell 19 runs short of a win.

Middlesbrough moved into sixth after a close call at Richmond. They won by two wickets with the overs running out after Chetnya Nanda got another four wickets.

Saltburn slumped to the bottom of the table after a dreadful batting collapse at Blackhall who distinguished themselves with their first win since returning to the premier division. Luke Cushlow (3-14), Mirza Masood (3-18), their professional, together with Farukh Iqbal (2-7) and Jack Ward (2-16) demolished the Seasiders for just 67.

In contrast, Redcar moved out of the bottom three with a superb batting display against Normanby Hall. Professional Tariq Aziz (100 not out) and Ollie Rodgers (59 not out) shared a stand of 170 as the Seasiders raced to a ten-wicket win. Aziz hit 14 fours and two sixes in his sparkling 123-ball century.

Guisborough's South African 'pro', Farhaan Behardien hit a second half century to send Darlington crashing to their third defeat.

In the First Division, Thornaby stole a march on their closest rivals when they won for the third time at Middlesbrough.