The unexpected defeat of the leaders Kimblesworth has thrown the championship wide open with second placed Esh Winning, now ready to swoop.

The leaders saw their advantage narrow from 19 to just six points as Tudhoe pulled off the shock of the day.

Kimblesworth would have been expected to gain a regulation win when they dismissed their visitors for 164 with only Sachin Rana (43) holding up the bowling duo of Stephen Meek (3-21) and Nigel Darling (3-44).

But Rana (3-33) was involved in an even more successful pairing with Tim Smalley (4-33) as Kimblesworth were dismissed for 127 - 37 runs short.

It was only their second defeat of the season with third placed Tudhoe deserving the plaudits.

Esh Winning made sure they took full advantage of the situation by winning at Hylton.

John Carmedy (64), Farukh Iqbal (54) and Eddie Watson (46 not out) piled the runs on for the home side by collecting 250-8 before a posse of four bowlers, with Iqbal and Watson among them, sent Hylton packing for 122.

Etherley have put their days on the back foot behind them with the arrival of their new professional, Shikra Dharwan. He was their star again with four wickets and an unbeaten half century against Langley Park as they won by ten wickets.

There was a century from Chris Peareth for Evenwood who beat Brandon by 103 runs.

Peareth hammered 131 and was unbeaten as his side reached 232-4 before dismissing their opponents for 140 with Lee Forster (5-26) playing a major role.

Another hundred was celebrated by Wilkin Mota for Shildon Railway as they beat Mainsforth, while Crook Town found Daniel Wilkinson (5-18) in great form as they won at Ushaw Moor. Earlier Mike Higgins hit 61 as Crook showed their batting power as well.