Murton have the Upper-ton hand over Houghton

An unbeaten 131 by Andy Upperton and 41 not out from Jonathan Vout, propelled the leaders past the 200 mark for the loss of four wickets. Calvin Stephenson claimed four wickets as Houghton were sent back for only 124.

Castle Eden had five wickets to spare over neighbours Peterlee. Stephen McCoy (59) raised the hopes of the visitors, before Jonathan Malkin claimed 4-22 and Tony Banks returned 3-49, to close the innings out 150.

Michael Higgin (34) and John Spellman jnr (44 not out) put together a match-winning partnership for the fourth wicket.

Seaham Park are third after their biggest win of the season at home to Washington. Andrew Docherty hit an unbeaten 57 and James Taylor added 30 not out to the unbroken second-wicket stand.

Washington scored a paltry 93. Alan Dick captured 7-52 and Michael McNicholas took 3-25.

Dawdon overtook the Silksworth total of 145 losing just three wickets. Davison (69) scored almost half his team's runs as Chris Price took 5-36 and Michael Ewart gave support with 3-36.

Although Keiron Waterson and Stephen Wright shared three early successes, Dawdon never looked back when Andrew Gale (94 not out) joined Andrew Stephenson (31 not out) and, the pair hurried their side to victory.

Bill Quay declared with 278 for two against Easington. Matthew Dench (119) and Jeff Tudor (76) put on 186 before Shaun Smith scored 54 not out. David Kennedy (43) and Russell Tarn (44) gave Easington's reply a good send-off and Robbie Atherton chipped in with 36, but they managed only 215-8.

There was also a high-scoring drawn game between Ryhope and Boldon CA. Jason Jones (57) and Gary Critchley with 76 helped their side to 244 for seven and Craig Smith took a hat-trick in figures of 5-63.

Ryhope's reply was equally assured. Graeme Smith opened with 39, but it was John Minniss with 85, who gave the innings its impetus and at close of play the home side were only 16 runs short of victory with three wickets remaining.