Dawdon played two ties on successive nights and were successful in both games, writes MALCOLM PRATT.

In a preliminary round match they defeated Peterlee by ten wickets when Michael Appleby took four wickets for just seven runs in four overs restricting the visitors to only 53 all out. Appleby then led the Dawdon reply hitting one six and four boundaries in an unbeaten 29 and victory was secured without losing a wicket.

The following night first round ties were played and Dawdon visited Blackhall where they won by nine wickets. Nigel Marsh top scored with 21 in the Blackhall total of 57 for seven and for Dawdon Liam Gustard had two for 12 in four overs.

Michael Appleby again shone with the bat making a top scoring 30 and Michael Wright added 23 to Dawdon's reply of 58 for one.

Houghton had 19 runs to spare in their home tie with Castle Eden. James Miller (43) and Shaun Hauxwell (27) gave the inning a good start and Ross Bainbridge added 23 to the eventual total of 109 for two. Castle Eden were restricted to 90 for five when they went to the wicket.

In the derby at Ryhope, Silksworth won comfortably. Batting first the visitors ended on 121 for eight with runs from Craig Neild whose 23 included no fewer than five boundaries, Scott Davison with 22 and Gary McAvoy with 21. Purewal was the most productive bowler in the Ryhope attack capturing three wickets for 13 runs in four overs.

When Ryhope went to the wicket they made just 88 for four which included an unbeaten 33 by Hughes who struck one six and four fours. Scott Davison bowled a good end for Silksworth claiming three wickets for 21 runs in four overs.

Seaham Park also reached the next round defeating Easington by eight wickets. Replying to a target of 69 they ended with 70 for two as both Lee Chapman and Adam Wallace scored 18 apiece. When Easington batted first and recorded a total of 68 for six, Wallace took two of the wickets for 12 runs in four overs.

Special Schools Festival

Durham County Cricket Club's Riverside hosted the 2004 Special Schools Cricket Festival on Tuesday. Over 100 children ranging from the ages of six to 16 took part in the event, which ended with an awards ceremony on the pitchside to reward all the teams who took part. Durham cricketers Mark Turner and Luke Anderson were on had to award the prizes.

Sunningdale (Sunderland), Durham Trinity (Durham City), Castle Green (Sunderland), The Meadows (Sedgefield), Greenfields (South Tyneside), Hill Top (Gateshead), Catcote (Hartlepool), Whitworth (Sedgefield), Warwick Road (Wear Valley) and Beaumont (Darlington) all participated in the day's Kwik Cricket event. Durham Trinity's Team Two triumphed over the other teams to successfully claim the trophy.

The festival was aided by several local volunteers from Chester-le-Street Volunteers Bureau. Northumbrian Water Ltd, the Esh Group and Sportswatch kindly supported the day's events.

Result: 1st Durham Trinity; 2nd The Meadows; 3rd Sunningdale; 3rd Warwick Road; 5th Castle Green; 5th Hill Top; 5th Catecote; 5th Whitworth; 5th Beaumont; 10th Greenfields.

For any further information please contact Yvette Thompson on (0191) 387 2873.