Unbeaten centuries by Graham Shaw and Mark Foster propelled Marton to a near-300 total at Yarm and to the top of the table for the first time this season in the NYSD Premier League Division One.

Shaw, a prolific scorer with Guisborough in three successful title campaigns, is now lending his weight to Marton's promotion drive and it was his scintillating form which dominated the game even though Yarm comfortably earned a draw. Shaw struck seven sixes and ten boundaries in 147 not out adding 234 for the unbroken third-wicket partnership with Foster.

Hopes of securing victory though were quickly dispelled by Yarm's openers who added 128. Barnard Castle suffered only their second defeat of the season when they went down by four wickets to Normanby Hall where they were all out for just 147 which included a half century by Andrew Toulson.

Billingham Synthonia are third following their five-wicket win at home to Guisborough. Despite 48 by Allinson the visitors managed only 140 as Martin Cull and Dennis Wing each claimed three wickets. Humphrey, with an opening innings of 45, put Synners on the road to victory even though Allinson followed up his batting performance capturing three wickets.

Seaton Carew enjoyed a seven-wicket success at Stokesley, who were in deep trouble before Ian West with 43 and Paul Kendrew (31 not out) took the total to a more respectable 146-8.

Richie Clayton then put Seaton in the driving seat scoring 77 opening the innings before an unbeaten 34 from Sharp completed the task.

Darlington laboured through 32.4 overs making just 88 at Redcar for whom Robbie Whelan captured six wickets for 47 runs in 16.4 overs and Anthony Dowson 4-34 from 16 overs.

Thornaby hurried to 291-6 declared - the highest score of the day - when they visited Marske. Jamie Roberts recorded three sixes and 13 boundaries in an unbeaten 101, Ian Still added 62 with ten fours and Jonathan Nichols 73. In contrast, Marske struggled through 36.2 overs making only 89 as Dale Metcalfe and Fazal Hussain took three wickets. Wolviston's batsmen rose to the challenge of scoring 187 in their game with Bedale.