Federation Special Durham Senior League: THREE teams share top spot and the scene is set for an intriguing remainder of the season.

Burnmoor were unable to make a start at Eppleton and nearest contenders Boldon and Hetton Lyons took advantage to draw level.

Hetton Lyons made up for lost time at Felling. A 15-over spell by Des Beach brought 3-25 and Ian Male took three for nine before an injury removed him from the attack. Felling were all out for a modest 79.

Although 33 minutes were lost to rain in the Hetton Lyons innings there was little doubt about the winners. Gerry Strydom, with an unbeaten half-century, saw to it that Hetton Lyons retained an interest in becoming champions for the first time.

Boldon collected 11 points, but were unable to make a positive response to Horden's 180. Nadeem Khan's 62 was the backbone to Horden's total although a late blast from Adrian Hedley played its part. The hard-hitting opener entered the fray at No 8 due to a back problem and helped hoist his side's final total.

Boldon, after losing Geoff Houmark early, depended upon Grant Forster and Olanzo Jackson, but the pair were unable to score quickly enough. Requiring 117 from the final hour proved too much and Boldon needed to settle for a share of the spoils.

Marsden caused South Shields a great deal of embarrassment when they skittled out their neighbours for a paltry 26 runs. Former Shields player Philip Bell proved the match winner.

Chris Mann was the early inspiration for Marsden with a half century, but Bell's patience ensured his side reached 160.

After hitting 54 out of Marsden's total Bell then bowled his team to victory. Shields were rattled and soon found themselves 13 for six.

There was no way back from this demise and only wicket-keeper Jimmy Gaff reached double figures. In his 11 overs Bell collected 6-17 and with great support from Graeme Fox (3-3) Marsden won handsomely by 134 runs.

Whitburn were quickly in their stride after a delayed start at Seaham Harbour. Neil Ayre (32) departed at 80 but then Chris Ellison (89) and Ashley Thorpe produced 111 for the second wicket, which allowed an early declaration on 181.

The first over saw Martin Gill lose his wicket and it was downhill thereafter for Seaham thanks to Thorpe (6-13) and Ian Elliott (4-16).

South Hetton were soon among the Durham City wickets after play commenced half an hour late. Losing five wickets for 38 runs, City struggled. With three wickets each from David Wilkinson and Stephen Massey and a couple from skipper John Pendlington Durham were cleaned out for 80.

Bob Steel and Graham Fenwick added 38 for the first wicket which took South Hetton to the home straight and victory was achieved by a seven wicket margin.