Lyons lead by five points

They changed places with Whitburn, who could only draw at Burnmoor in a high scoring game that saw just three runs separating the teams.

Hetton Lyons quickly demonstrated their superiority against Horden and a mixture of pace and spin destroyed their batting.

Des Beach and Ian Male, with four wickets apiece, saw the opposition dismissed in 31.4 overs. Tom Nixon cleaned out the last two batsmen - Lyons requiring 86.

Sean Birbeck (46 not out) and Graham Hoban (34 not out) secured an easy win.

South Shields triumphed at Felling where their run chase was spearheaded by professional Lindsay Cullen. Along with Lee Whalley runs flowed and, although Whalley departed after a partnership of 84, Cullen never faltered as the Australian cracked 15 fours and two sixes in an unbeaten 93.

Earlier, Felling had Paul Leonard to thank because his contribution of 46 assisted his side to 166. Johnny Wightman, four wickets, led the way and Mattie Muchall, Chris Nichol and Cullen supported with two wickets each.

John Dunn and Paul Shields put the scoreboard quickly into action at Burnmoor when they produced 95 in 88 minutes. When Shields (41) was dismissed, Whitburn went on the decline with three more wickets falling quickly.

Dunn found support from Andy Turns and the partnership realised 59 in 35 minutes. Dunn left for an invaluable 93 and his side made 222.

Burnmoor made an equally promising beginning, with a brisk 58 coming from Chris Ellison and Barry Dews. The main thrust arrived via John Tindale and Dews (65). The partnership brought 102 in 105 minutes, but an injury to Tindale's hamstring meant a runner was needed.

When the two were split the batting then became less effective and Tindale went for 89. Moors made a desperate attempt, but after losing two wickets in the final over they ended short.

South Hetton's resounding 121-run victory over Durham City means they move up to fourth. Ashok Patel starred with bat and ball. His unbeaten 136 included 21 fours and two sixes. John Pendlington smacked 97 and South Hetton declared after 38 overs.

City were never able to make any impact against Patel (4-11) and John Leslie (3-44).

Jimmy Daley was again in fine batting form for Eppleton.

After his half century opening stand with Sean Ezzard, Eppleton lost two wickets in three balls.

They recovered through Daley (66) and Neil McKinney (58) and reached 192. Chris Miller (3-31) made a late contribution after Orlanzo Jackson (3-39) picked up the important wicket of Daley.

Jackson then denied Eppleton and entering the final hour at 86-6 it was odds on Boldon would lose.

Elliott Hughes (4-34) and Gary Hulme (3-19) almost took Eppleton to victory, but Jackson (81 not out) stayed firm and Boldon survived.

Seaham Harbour were in resilient mood at Marsden who looked to be heading for victory.

Chris Mann (73) and Philip Bell (63) put on 124 in just 76 minutes as Marsden raced to an early declaration. Then 70 came from Harbour's David Leslie (40) and Martin Gill (31) but they then lost six wickets for only 14 runs.

However, the later batsmen resisted strongly and their last pair were together at the close.