IT'S already looking like a two-horse race for the championship in the Foster's Durham Senior League even with the season in its very early stages.

Burnmoor and Whitburn are so far out in front after just four games that the rest of the pack already seem way out on a limb. While the two front runners are separated by just seven points, third placed Boldon are no less than 53 adrift after dropping more points in a drawn finish against Horden.

But there were some excellent performances with both bat and ball from both sides in this game.

Former Northants and Leicestershire County batsman, Grant Forster hit 71 and young Joseph Coyne made 65 out of their total of 205-9 before Johnny Wightman (4-73) and Matthew Sampson-Barnes (3-25) had Horden in trouble.

But their visitors hung on at 164-8 for the draw with Mayhill top scoring with 43.

Hetton Lyons were no match for Whitburn for whom Jimmy Daley, the former County batsman, made his second century of the season.

His unbeaten 120 and a fine knock of 77 from Ashley Thorpe - in an equally rich seam of form - set the Lyons a target of 255.

But Thorpe (5-14) had the visitors in trouble and they were all out for 98. The winning margin was an impressive 156 runs.

Leaders Burnmoor were also in devastating form when they blanked out Felling to win by 137 runs.

Brett Pelser took his season's run tally to close on 400 with his third century and then Ian Conn took eight wickets cheaply to put the home side out of reach - Felling all out for just 94.

The day's other winners were fourth placed, Philadelphia and Marsden, who have moved cosily behind them in fifth.

Philly beat Seaham Harbour by five wickets with five wickets for Aamir Sohail, while Durham City went down by a massive 101 runs at home against Marsden.

Chris Mann (81 and 4-13) was the day's best all-rounder.

Eppleton and South Hetton figured in a drawn finish in a match in which 433 runs were scored.

Opening batsmen, Sirisoma (61) and Davis (48) gave the home side a great start as they responded to South Hetton's total of 233-6.

But they were 33 runs short of celebrating a first victory of the season.

For South Hetton, there were half centuries for Ashok Patel and opening batsman, Freddie Napier.