Durham Coast League: DESPITE their game with Dawdon being abandoned, Murton are the new leaders. Silksworth were deposed when neighbours Ryhope inflicted a nine-wicket defeat, leaving the way open for Murton to take a narrow lead at the top.

Silksworth managed only 101 on a rain-affected wicket which was exploited, particularly by Paul Watson who took six of the wickets for just 30 runs. Phil Bennett and Graeme Smith gave support with two wickets apiece.

There were a couple of early shocks for Ryhope when they replied but John Minnis (23 not out) and Chris Errington with an undefeated 56 steered their side to a seven-wicket victory which moved them into fourth position.

Dawdon were 20 without loss when a halt was made in their fixture with Murton. The visitors reached 130 for six as Shoaib Akhtar again produced form with the ball, claiming five wickets for 39 runs.

Richard Lowes (46) and Shaun Smith (32) led the innings but the outcome of the game was delicately balanced when a halt was made.

Hylton beat the weather and Houghton after dismissing their opponents for only 111. David Batty took four of the wickets at a cost of only 16 runs and he was well supported in the attack by the evergreen Keith Trotter (three for 25) and young Brian Conlin who picked up two wickets for 11 runs.

The visitors wasted no time replying and Gary Braithwaite (35) and Stephen Lee Merrington, with an unbeaten 47, set the course before Gary Hewitt struck a quick undefeated 26 in an eight-wicket success.

Despite requiring 178, Boldon CA succeeded at Easington where David Jones was the match winner. He opened the innings and was still there at the end undefeated on 108 out of 178 for six.

David Kennedy (44) and David Wilson (36) were early contributors to the Easington total before Brian Fenwick struck a late, unbeaten 33.

Seaham Park were 79 for two with Andrew Docherty and James Taylor looking good when their game at Peterlee ended in a draw. Dale Butler (31) top-performed with the bat leading Peterlee to 176 for eight with Alan Dick taking five for 43.

David Hunt hit 86 in the Bill Quay total of 147 for four but further play in the match with Castle Eden proved impossible.