The championship chase between South Northumberland and Sunderland is set to go to the wire after both continued their ruthless streak.

Leaders South North defeated Benwell Hill by seven wickets and extended their advantage over Sunderland.

South North found Benwell in stubborn mood as Simon Birtwistle (32) and David Myers (32) got them off to a useful start before Phil Nicholson (53) made sure they got close to the 200 mark.

For the leaders, Lee Crozier (4-48) and Richard Brook (3-35) made sure their opponents didn't set too formidable a challenge. South North's response was as convincing as ever with skipper John Graham (71) getting good support from Chris Hewison (44 not out) and Brendon Ford (37).

Sunderland had Chester's batsmen in all sorts of trouble with Simon Brown (4-22) and Marc Symington (4-42) in match winning form. Chester managed only 135 and that was largely due to a rescue act by Mo Iqbal (44) and Graeme Cessford (24) late in the innings. Sunderland then showed their was nothing in the wicket to worry about as Gordon Muchall (77 not out) took them to an eight wicket victory.

Norton came within five runs of victory before settling for a draw in their derby with Teesside neighbours, Stockton, who could finish as the season's wooden spoonists.

With the fear of relegation removed before the match, both teams were more relaxed in their approach and despite facing the challenge of needing 219 for a win, Norton enjoyed an exciting chase which ended so close to their winning target. Chris Hooker (83 not out) enjoyed top scoring on the friendly Stockton wicket before Norton took up the run chase headed by Danny Nowell (43).

They lost two late wickets as they tried for the victory and shut up shop for an honourable draw.

Gateshead Fell, the other club in the bottom three, got a real hammering from Tynemouth. They were bowled out for 79 with John Callaghan (4-19) and David Hymers (3-8) causing the collapse. Angus Webster (40 not out) saw Tynemouth home by nine wickets.

A similar margin of victory was enjoyed by South Shields who have moved into mid-table following a sticky patch. They beat Newcastle handsomely after Matthew Muchall (6-49) confined them to just 93. Mike Fishwick (52 not out) and Danny Shurben (44 not out) grabbed a 25-point reward for Shields.

Durham Academy moved back into third place with a 44 runs win over close rivals, Blaydon who have now dropped down to fourth.

The Academy totalled 216 with Karl Turner's 74 again showing his top pedigree. Blaydon never looked like overcoming the varied eight-man Academy attack and were bowled out for 172, well short of their winning target.