CHESTER-LE-STREET are the new leaders of the Dukes NEPL after toppling champions South Northumberland, inflicting the first defeat on them for 14 months.

Having whittled down the points difference between the teams over the last few weeks, the Cestrians grasped the big chance to jump ahead of them with a three-wicket victory which gave them an 11 points advantage as the new table toppers.

South North were bowled out for 101, with Luke Evans (6-13) in form.

Only Adam Cragg, who top scored with 26, looked comfortable. He came to the wicket with his four team-mates managing just 17 runs between them.

Chester, in reply, started well enough with Alan Mustard (37) doing a great job as opener but they lost wickets to Craig Smith (4- 38) and Lee Crozier (2-16) before Liam Simpson (20 not out) saw them home for what could yet prove to be an historic victory.

Sunderland were beaten for the third time in six games by Gateshead Fell by 74 runs. Only Greg Applegarth (44) performed at his best as Sunderland (114 all out) showed little appetite for the bowling of Will Gidman (6-29). Gidman (63) also starred when Fell posted 188 despite five wickets for Paul Hindmarch.

Norton lost their way again after a couple of good results when they went down to Durham Academy who are now heading for mid-table after reaching 253-8 against the Teessiders with half centuries for Greg Pringle and Graham Clark. Norton (43 all out) collapsed against Mark Wood (5-13) and Ross Kirtley (3-3).

Stockton continue to be marooned at the bottom after their eighth defeat in 11 games, and this despite an excellent batting display against Benwell Hill. They scored 243-5 with 83 from Jon Rickard and 59 from Chris Parr in an inspired opening partnership.

But with Stockton in the driving seat, with Hill on 136 for 7, two late stands, including a club record ninth wicket partnership of 64, drained the life out of the home club. Graeme Race was the inspiration behind the two wicket success making an undefeated 70 batting at number nine.

South Shields defeated struggling Newcastle in another high scoring match. Just about everyone contributed but Chris Dorothy (45) was the best.

Newcastle were bowled out for 163 by Kris Mc- Shane (6-23) and Paul Muchall (3-69) for Shields to win by 84 runs.

Blaydon’s Durham County star, Mark Stoneman, helped himself to another century in the defeat of Tynemouth. But Allan Worthy’s 74 runs, in a fine opening partnership of 193, were even more memorable as they included his 6,000th league run in a remarkable career. He became the first NEPL player to reach the milestone.