Federation Special Durham Senior League: THE rain-affected programme did not prevent leaders Burnmoor from picking up maximum points at Durham City. The game was delayed and City were quickly in trouble when the match finally got under way 90 minutes behind schedule.

With Ian Conn (five for 29) causing constant problems, the Durham batting looked to be folding at 42 for five. They lasted a little longer and ended with a meagre 60 from 27.4 overs.

Although Barry Dews was dismissed in the first over, Paul Burn found ideal support from skipper John Tindale, 59 coming from their partnership in 43 minutes, and the game was over.

Boldon stayed within four points of the leaders when they beat title rivals Eppleton. There was a five-star performance from Boldon professional Orlanzo Jackson who helped himself to runs and wickets.

After Gareth Smith (three for 28) had taken care of the early batsmen, Jackson took over. His four wickets meant that Eppleton could only end with 100.

Jackson (37) and Grant Forster (47 not out) then took Boldon to within sight of what turned out to be an eight-wicket win.

Hetton Lyons' game at Marsden was interrupted by the weather. After Marsden lost their first three wickets for just a single run on the board, they then found themselves at 44 for five before a recovery. After the 45 overs, Marsden had accumulated 129 but then there was further rain and the Hetton Lyons' reply ended early.

Only 16 overs were possible at South Shields. Visitors Horden began promisingly after a delayed start and Adrian Hedley completed his half century in just 36 minutes. When he was out for 66 the opener had crashed seven fours and four sixes. However, the elements won the day.

Seaham Harbour disappointed at home losing to Felling by eight wickets. David Thompson and Martin Bell provided a useful start for the Harbour by adding 46 for the first wicket. Then Felling skipper Graeme Wright returned the figures of four for 15 and Seaham were all out for just 108.

Felling's reply also centred around Wright. After the early loss of two wickets, Wright's unbeaten century (eight fours and two sixes) guided his side to a convincing victory.

Whitburn professional Ashley Thorpe was in fine fettle against South Hetton. The Australian registered a century after the start to the game had been delayed. Alloted 40 overs, Whitburn batted in enterprising fashion.

Thorpe found an ideal partner in Neil Ayre (55) and 106 came from their second-wicket partnership. In 77 balls received, Thorpe's innings included 16 boundaries as Whitburn declared on 178.

South Hetton were more pedestrian, though. In 31 overs, they ended with 80 for four wickets.