Foster's ECB North East Regional Premier League: Sunderland moved into pole position with victory over Philadelphia at Bunker Hill where they had 27 runs and plenty of time to spare.

When Sunderland batted first an early wicket by Durham County's Mark Turner temporarily raised the hopes of Stuart Walker's side but their euphoria was shortlived.

Skipper Simon Old, who batted throughout for an unbeaten 82 and Lee Rushworth, with 11 boundaries in 78 dominated a second-wicket stand.

Although Rushworth fell just before lunch, Old found another able partner in Alan Mustard who carried his bat for a half century hitting one six and eight fours.

Phili were required to score 241 and after Paul Riddle and Brett Pelser went cheaply, Walker and Mark Turner threatened.

Both were bowled though by Imran Shah, Walker for 67 and Turner for 39 and although there were other useful contributions, the innings closed on 213 with Shah returning 4-48 from 13 overs.

Chester-le-Street secured the quickest win of the day when they required just 23 overs to overtake the Blaydon total of 97 which took 41.4 overs to achieve.

The Tynesiders, who started the day at the top, wilted once Liam Simpson was introduced into the attack. His 11.4 overs including five maidens produced the outstanding figures of 5-25.

In contrast to the laboured efforts of their opponents, the Cestrians found it comfortable at the wicket.

Daniel Shurben struck a couple of sixes and six boundaries in 52 compiled from only 45 balls and victory was in sight when his opening partnership with Wayne Ritzema was ended.

Stockton made 239 for six wickets but still lost to Durham Academy. Richard Waite claimed the wicket of Mark Stoneman but it was then all downhill for the home side as Paul Cummins ended undefeated on 99 and Ben Harmison added 96 to the second-wicket stand before he was caught.

Scott Gillespie, with an undefeated 76, and Ian Still (62) retrieved a poor start by Stockton and provided the bulk of the runs to what appeared a defendable total at the halfway stage.

Norton also lost heavily at home to Tynemouth and only a late 49 from Stephen Purcifer enabled them to pass three figures. John Callaghan and David Barrick shared seven wickets for Tynemouth who, batting first, reached 229-7 declared.

Stephen Scott (41) and Barrick (45) put together a second-wicket stand and the impetus was maintained by Graeme Hallam (61) and Barry Stewart (37).

Matthew Hall was unbeaten on 101 and skipper John Graham added 56 to South Northumberland's match-winning 243-5 at Gateshead Fell.

The home side's batsmen disappointed and crashed to 82 all out as spinner Lee Crozier with 5-39 and newcomer Kerry Jeremy (4-19) dominated.

Benwell Hill also had a new overseas player on show and Taufeeq Umar did not let them down contributing 149 to the day's biggest total 307 for seven declared.

Simon Birtwisle (68) and skipper Phil Nicholson (44) were also in form but so too were a number of Newcastle batsmen. William Allen (87) and John McReady (45) threatened in mid innings and Jonathan Bailey produced a defiant 43. With the total on 263-8, however, rain won the day.