Northallerton enjoyed better luck with the weather than their rivals and when they were the only side to win on Saturday, moved into second position behind Premier Division leaders Guisborough.

They batted the full 50 overs at home to Middlesbrough who they dismissed in 43.3 overs for 103. Doug Mulholland led the way after the home side conceded a couple of early wickets and after going in at No 3 he finished unbeaten on 83 with one six and nine fours. Brenton Parchment, particularly economical conceding only 29 runs in 12 overs, and Janisar Hussain both claimed three wickets for Boro but the pair could not match the performances of Barnes and Richard Chandler.

Northallerton celebrated a 90-runs victory.

Darlington RA lost ten overs of their innings and drew the match with neighbours Darlington at Feethams. Faced with a target of 177, they made a reasonable start through David Eccles and Paul Freary but at stumps, RA were on 156-7 from 42 overs. Neil Pratt, nine boundaries in 61, and Steve Chapman (37) led Darlington to 176 all out despite the attentions of Andrew Russell, who returned 5-53.

Richmondshire's home game with Blackhall was played without interruption and a close finish ensued. After Richmond posted 225-9, the Colliers were 188-9 at stumps, which included useful contributions from Paul Moss (40), Tony Booth (33) and a late 40 from Philip Bell which saved his side. Dissanayake was also in form with the bat but was run out on 38. The first-wicket stand between Mark Layfield, whose 53 included eight boundaries, and Adam Smith (66) laid the foundations for Richmond's big total.

There was much less play in the other games. Great Ayton received 34.4 overs at Saltburn, where they were 122-8 after Lee Hodgson, John Windows and Adil Ditta shared the wickets for the Seasiders.

Just 33.2 overs were bowled to Redcar, who reached 128-2 at home to Normanby Hall. Neil Russell hit eight boundaries in 69 and Martin Hood contributed 46 to the first-wicket partnership which produced a healthy 128 runs.

Richard Hawthorne was unbeaten on 95 with one six and seven fours as Bishop Auckland compiled 162-3 in their top-of-the-table clash with Guisborough.

In Division One, no play was possible in the fixture between Bedale and Seaton Carew and the other five matches were all abandoned. Yarm received 45 overs at Stokesley where Chris Wilson batted throughout for an unbeaten 89. Lloyd added 62 to a total of 202-7 with Clive Dowson claiming four for 56 in 14 overs.

Marton were 153-4 in 33 overs against Wolviston. Openers Chris Lane (48) and Graham Shaw (34) put together a good stand and the momemtum was maintained by Mark Foster whose undefeated 56 had a couple of sixes.

At Fountains Garth, Guisborough were 132-7 in 42 overs. More than half the runs were credited to Chris Norminton, who struck three sixes and seven boundaries in 67. Mike Little bowled a good end for Barnard Castle taking three for 12 in six overs.

Only 34.1 overs were possible at Marske, who realised 167-2 against Darlington. Raf Rashid was unbeaten and only seven runs short of a century after hitting 16 boundaries and a six in 93.

An outstanding bowling performance by Michael Reeves, with 7-57 in 18.4 overs, restricted Billingham Synthonia to 150 all out from 48.4 overs but Redcar were unable to begin their reply. Vinod Nair top-performed with 62 in the Synners' innings.

* Yesterday's programme in the Premier Division was wiped out without a ball being bowled.