ON a day when the rain returned to ravage local cricket, it was the east coast sides who benefited.

A month or so ago it was those in the west of the region that faired the best and for leaders Northallerton, Saturday's reversal couldn't have come at a worse time.

They couldn't beat the forces of nature on this occasion, while their two challengers squeezed out victories and Middlesbrough are the new leaders.

Batting first Northallerton always had the threatening overhead conditions in mind and in an innings marked by stoppages they eventually declared after securing their fourth batting point to try and provide enough time to force a result.

Liam Botham was typically belligerent with his half century and with Doug Mulholland continuing his fine form of late with an unbeaten 41 they at least gave themselves a chance to go for the win.

When Jon Barnes took two quick wickets hopes were raised, but Dan Hodgson (40) proved a stumbling block before the rain became too much.

The home side again profited from the new points system which enabled them to take 13 points and stay firmly in touch.

At Guisborough main challengers Middlesbrough were proving too strong for the home side as spin twins Chetnya Nanda (four for 59) and James Beaumont (three for 19) ruled.

Neil Russell stood almost alone among the home batsmen as he battled away for 61, but it soon became apparent that Guisborough's 143 was inadequate as Alex Roberts (72no) and James Lowe (53) once again demonstrated why they are the best opening partnership in the league.

Boro raced to victory by nine wickets to go top.

Reigning champions Great Ayton stay in the hunt. But up against a dangerous Hartlepool side it looked at one point as though they would be facing a daunting target.

Paul Johnston (21) played a superb little cameo and then Michael Gough took over, and was in complete control until a leg strain forced him to have to bat with a runner. He was out with 79 to his name although Pools still looked set to post well over 200.

But spin put the brakes on with David Grainge (two for 34) and Steve Pennock (three for 43) doing enough to limit the target to 202.

With the light drizzle becoming ever more pervasive the home batsmen couldn't afford to waste any time and Chris Batchelor (61) and Jon Grainge (75) rushed their team to a five wicket success, and brought them level with Northallerton, just five points adrift of Boro.

It was a sad day at Normanby Hall for strugglers Saltburn where a draw relegated them.

Hall's Steve McNicholas crashed a tremendous century which was the main component of the home total of 180.

Talab Ramzan was in threatening form when the visitors responded as he grabbed three wickets but with Saltburn on 80 for four the conditions became too bad.

Marton were the day's quickest winners as they routed Blackhall for 89.

Mark Ditchburn started the rot as he sent down seven overs from which he only conceded two runs and picked up two wickets. Imran Tahir then took centre stage and in a 19 over stint whipped out six Blackhall batsmen for just 40 runs, despite a one man attempt to hold back the tide by Darren Hickey whose 46 included six fours. Opener Martin Hood (39no) then calmly guided Marton to a comfortable six wicket success.

A half century from number eight bat Scott Oldfield saved Bishop Auckland's skins as they looked to be heading for an early exit from their game at Marske.

Jordan Carroll (four for 53) and Chris Nicholls (four for 25) had put the skids under Bishops until Oldfield's rescue act squeezed them up to a semi respectable 153.

And then it was the home sides turn to worry as Ben Usher removed the two home pros early in the response, and although Col Haslett (46no) was in fine form it was anybody's game when the rains swept in with Marske on 108 for five. Richmondshire's home game with Redcar was the most badly affected of the day with the home side on 57 for two after 16 overs when it was called off.

Billingham stepped up their division one challenge, taking 15 points from their match with Yarm who were clinging on with nine wickets down at the end.