The Readers Durham County League: Just about everything went right for Esh Winning. Not only did they bowl out Langley Park for only 56, but nearest rivals Willington and Brandon both lost.

But Esh have no need to look over their shoulders and if they play as well in the second half of the season as they have in the first, nobody will catch them.

Eddie Watson and Ian Corrick inflicted early damage, taking two wickets apiece before Shafiq Ahmed and Rizwan Quereshi completed the task sharing six wickets.

The innings only lasted 22 overs and Esh Winning required 13 of them to complete their easiest task of the season.

Chris Hurst soon joined Quereshi who recorded seven boundaries in an unbeaten 38 and Esh romped to a nine wicket win - their tenth victory of the summer.

Willington's title aspirations received a setback at Kimblesworth where they lost by 25 runs as home captain Stephen Meek scored a century.

He gave his side the best possible start, contributing 123 to a first wicket partnership with Andrew McKay (62) and the innings produced the formidable total of 260-5.

Karl Brown (84) and Gary Cummings (43) were also in blistering form when they opened Willington's reply, but although Paul Chivers added 38 late in the order, the innings ended on 235-9.

Brandon, who started the day in third position, also lost ground. Their total of 207-8 looked defendable against Etherley, who were bottom at start of play.

Suprisingly, the home side rose to the challenge, winning by three wickets.

Craig Emanuel was the match winner, scoring 104 before being run out. Colin Barker ended with 43 not out and Etherley celebrated a rare success.

Tudhoe kept alive their challenge, defeating Ushaw Moor by 123 runs.

Simon Davies was in scintillating form, hitting a quick 102 and opening partner Aidan Stocker added 31 in a big first wicket stand.

A total of 213 was achieved and Ushaw disappointed in reply, managing only 90 all out as the five-man Tudhoe attack all took wickets.

John Maughan produced a memorable performace in Evenwood's 40-run success at Mainsforth. Returning to the attack for a second spell he took eight wickets for only seven runs as Mainsforth collapsed. His final figures were 8-39 from 11.4 overs.

Maughan earlier starred with the bat, hitting seven fours in 58 as Evenwood totalled 194 all out in 41.4 overs.

John Cavanagh bowled a good end in the Mainsforth attack and was well worth his 6-57 from 11 overs.

Shildon were sent back in 37.4 overs with only 110 runs on the board by Hylton, who conceded just one wicket. Michael Roberts, 16, celebrated his debut by scoring 31 and Michael Thorpe struck 38 for the home side.

The batsmen were troubled by captain David Batty and Brian Conlin, who between them shared seven wickets. Lee Jackson (54 not out) and Gary Hewitt (32 not out) secured victory for the Wearsiders in 19.4 overs.