Guisborough march on and the manner in which they saw off the challenge from Redcar suggests they could clinch the championship a fourth consecutive time.

They opened up a clear lead at the top when nearest challengers Northallerton were held to a draw by another of the title contenders, Bishop Auckland.

But Guisborough won't be looking over their shoulders if they reproduce the form they showed on Saturday in the remaining games.

Redcar made a useful 206-7 from their 50 overs with most of the runs coming from Tom Urwin (74) and Mohamed Qureshi with 41. Once again David Towse bowled throughout, claiming 3-78 in 25 overs, but he was outshone by Guisborough's West Indian professional Imran Jan.

He struck three sixes and 16 boundaries in an unbeaten 127, which, together with a half century from captain Richard Dunn, propelled Guisborough to an eight-wicket win in 40 overs.

In recent years Saltburn have run Guisborough close, so the Fountains Garth side will have been delighted to hear the result of the Seasiders' game at Great Ayton, who celebrated moving off the bottom for the first time this season.

Only a few weeks ago Ayton looked doomed to a quick return to Division One but their form has taken off and a 13-run win over Saltburn will do their confidence a world of good.

Their total of 168-9 looked decidedly vulnerable at the halfway stage but Anthony Doyle came up trumps capturing five for 20 and Saltburn were all out for 155.

When they batted first, Ayton overcame the loss of three early wickets when John Doyle (38) and David Grainge (30) held the innings together despite Wasseen returning 6-70.

Darren Blenkiron was in superb form, but could not steer Bishop Auckland to victory over Northallerton at Kingsway. He finished undefeated on 122 and Amul Mazumdar maintained his good form adding 39 to a total of 207-6.

Northallerton's reply never seriously threatened even though Jonathan Barnes struck 31 and the innings ended on 155-7. Timmens claimed four wickets for 46.

Darlington RA were full value for an 85-run victory over Normanby Hall at Brinkburn Road. Wilden Cornwall struck ten fours in 90, leading RA to 231-7 with Steve McNicholas returning 5-100 from 21 overs.

Hall's reply disappointed and although Neil Pearson contributed a half century, the innings only produced 146 as Andrew Russell returned outstanding figures of 5-26 in 13 overs.

Darlington lost by two wickets at Hartlepool, who met the target of 195 with useful runs from Richie Evans (38) and John Cannon (39). Paul Raine took 5-77 for Darlington, who batting first, ended on 194 all out including 70 by Neil Pratt. Michael Gough (6-52) and Ashley Day (3-45) were both in good form for Pools.

Brenton Parchment was in electrifying form leading Middlesbrough to victory over Marske at Acklam Park. His first 50 came from only 40 balls and he received 93 deliveries making 111 with two sixes and 13 fours.

The next highest score was only 15 as Boro reached the target of 188 losing seven wickets, five to Richie Rennard, for 55 runs in 11 overs.

When they made first use of the wicket, Marske were given a good send off by Rob Nicol (37) and Neil Coverdale with 42. Ryan Lazenby added 33 and there were 31 extras in a total of 187 made from all but one ball of the maximum 50 overs. Brett Roberts and 17-year-old Jack Conway each took three wickets for Boro.

Blackhall are bottom of the table for the first time this season after losing to Richmondshire, who were inspired by Shanoka Dissanayake.

After capturing six for 58 when the Colliers realised 187, including 68 by Mahmood Fazal and 49 by Graham Bell, Dissanayake struck an unbeaten 93 in an unbroken partnership with captain Andy Mollitt (57 not out).