Foster's ECB North East Regional Premier League: South Northumberland extended their lead at the top of the table with a decisive victory over Stockton on Teesside.

Despite half centuries by Guy Darwin and Alex Roberts, Stockton were restricted to 157 by the pace of West Indian Reon King and the spin of local lad Lee Crozier.

King claimed five wickets for just 48 runs, while Crozier conceded only 31 runs capturing four wickets.

Adam Heather has been in scintillating form in recent weeks and once again he took control of South North's reply. He batted throughout for an unbeaten 67 which together with 65 not out from Chris Hewison earned their side a nine-wicket victory which was rewarded with 27 points.

Second-top Chester-le-Street won by three wickets at home to Durham Academy but the quirks of the scoring system meant that they were awarded just 19 points.

Following an indifferent start to their innings, the Academy recovered through Paul Craig (31) and Karl Turner who ended unbeaten on 38 as a total of 139-6 was realised.

Ian Hunter, celebrating his two-year contract with Derbyshire starting next season, again showed form with three wickets at minimal cost.

There were set-backs for the Cestrians but opener Daniel Shurben steadied the innings with 47 and young Andrew Smith displayed his tremendous potential ending unbeaten with 32 out of a total of 142-7. Danny Evans took four of the wickets to fall for 35 runs.

Blaydon are third but after taking only 18 points from a seven-wicket success at Norton, have a mountain to climb to finish in pole position.

Marc Symington batted well for 72 and Keith Hewson finished unbeaten on 41 assisting their side to 153-3 before Blaydon went on to win, losing just three wickets.

Paul Underwood (70) and Ian Somerville (55) took their side to within sight of victory before they were parted and the task was completed by Neil McGarrell and Geoff Stewart.

Sunderland had seven wickets in hand at Tynemouth whose batsmen have been in good form in recent games.

On this occasion though the visitors' attack dominated with Marlon Black taking 4-44, former Durham County paceman Simon Brown 3-18 and Paul Goodwin 3-27.

Wayne Falla top-scored with 36 but his side's total of 118 proved comfortable for Sunderland as Alan Mustard finished undefeated on 69.

Runs were scarce at Gateshead Fell who took another step towards safety defeating Newcastle, who are now second-bottom, by one wicket.

Wayne Cornelius and Graeme Cessford shared seven wickets when Newcastle were sent back for just 69 but in reply, the Fell struggled before winning with their last pair at the wicket.

Paul Muchall and Rob Lawrence took three wickets apiece and almost snatched victory for their side.

There was no play in the game between Benwell Hill and Philadelphia.