Federation Special Durham Senior League: There is still just one point separating Boldon and Burnmoor but the defeat of Hetton Lyons means they have lost ground in the championship race.

Boldon beat Whitburn and the rain to remain top by a single point. They had Whitburn at 84 for five wickets before late resistance from Michael Smith and Peter Marshall took Whitburn to their eventual total of 166. Orlanzo Jackson was largely responsible for this with 5-39 but he received sterling support from Gareth Smith (3-45).

A useful start found Boldon up with the run rate but then rain intervened which cut seven overs off their allocation. Jackson was undeterred and he completed his half century with a six hit.

Burnmoor's win at Felling was timed to perfection with the weather closing in. They made early inroads into the Felling batting and at 25 for four it seemed that three figures was out of the question. However, Felling skipper Graeme Wright (78) found assistance from Alex Brook and 66 were added in 44 minutes. Pace merchant Martin Thursfield though proved Felling's downfall. His 5-24 along with three wickets from Ian Conn and two by Michael Callaghan meant Burnmoor were chasing 144 to win.

Professional Mark Benfield was in fine form and his 69-run partnership for the second wicket with Neil Young set up the chance for the early conclusion.

South Shields also hurried to victory. They piled up 201 before declaring at Seaham Harbour. John Dunn (46) and Ray McRae began the run charge with 64 in just 39 minutes. However, it was left-handed Ashok Patel who took the batting honours. His unbeaten 86 was before the Shields bowlers set to work.

Demolition merchant-in-chief was Matthew Muchall. After just 45 minutes play, Seaham were 32 for five and Muchall made sure there was no way back. In his 13 overs he collected 8-32 with Johnny Wightman taking the other two as Harbour were shot out for 74.

Hetton Lyons will be disappointed with their batting at Horden. Tom Nixon's 39 was the top score as Nadeem Khan (4-40) and Andrew Robson (3-29) saw them all out for 125. Adrian Hedley (38) and youngster Andrew Dixon (37 not out) put together 64 in an opening stand and Horden never faltered to win by six wickets.

Chris Mann's century was the main substance to Marsden's 189 against South Hetton. He held the innings together and only received support from Andrew Potts (45) as John Leslie (7-56) picked up wickets regularly.

South Hetton's reply lost its tempo when the rain arrived.

Eppleton scrambled to victory by the narrowest of margins against bottom-placed Durham City. Opener Paul Price's half century was the foundation to City's eventual 145 with Matthew Jane (5-47) being the main wicket-taker.

The early loss of Shaun Birbeck stifled Eppleton's reply then Jane (33) along with Stuart Lacey (34 not out) rescued the game and 20 points for Eppleton.