Durhamn Coast League: Murton, who have been defending a one point lead at the top in recent weeks, finally earned some breathing space when they defeated Castle Eden and nearest challengers Silksworth could only draw.

Calvin Stephenson was positive in his approach, steering his side to a 38 runs win over Castle Eden.

Murton's declaration came after 44 overs with 153-9 on top. Most of the runs came from Stephenson, who struck three sixes and six boundaries in 61. Richard Lowes (24) and David Scorer, with a late 27, gave support.

Castle Eden utilised only two bowlers in their attack. Allan Unsworth delivered 22 overs taking four for 75 while Tony Banks bowled 21.4 overs returning figures of 5-76.

Michael Higgin made a useful half-century when he opened the visitors reply but when Stephenson completed a man-of-the-match performance taking three for 37 in 11.4 overs, Castle Eden were all out for 115 in 36 overs.

Silksworth were close to victory against Boldon CA, who held on with their last two batsmen at the wicket.

Stephen Wright, introduced as second change, almost grabbed victory for Silksworth when he mopped up three wickets without conceding a run. Chris Pringle returned figures of 3-24 and Steve Hanson and Mark Foster also played their parts but Boldon fought on and were 51-9 at stumps.

The home side also found it difficult on the rain affected wicket, but realised 127-9 which included a valuable 57 not out from Smailes. Gary Critchley (5-25) and Chris Allen (3-43), both showed form in the Boldon attack.

Easington overtook the Peterlee total of 124 with four wickets remaining.

At one stage it looked as if bottom-of-the-table Peterlee would come out on top. Six Easington wickets fell cheaply but Ashley Cooper (31 not out) and Mark Race (22 not out) put together an unbroken partnership for the seventh wicket which proved decisive.

When they batted first Peterlee struggled following the departure of openers Chris Ford and Michael Garrighan, who between them contributed 52 runs. Mark Simpson, batting at No 9, took the score into three figures adding 31 - the game's joint top score.

Brian Daniels, five for 41, and David Kennedy, four for 34, kept the home batsmen at bay.

Hylton were up against it at Ryhope, where they were only 72 for eight when time was called. Paul Watson and Graeme Smith shared the wickets and earlier the ever-reliable Keith Trotter took seven Ryhope wickets for 36 runs.

The home side ended with 135 on the board mainly as a result of the efforts of David Hanson with 58 and John Minniss (44).

There was no play in the fixtures involving Dawdon and Seaham Park and Bill Quay versus Houghton.