Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League Division One: After taking a 12-point lead following Saturday's programme, Billingham Synthonia dropped back to second place when they gained only six points from their drawn match at Seaton Carew yesterday.

The Seasiders realised a healthy 232-5 and at stumps, Synners were struggling with eight of their batsmen back in the pavilion for just 125 runs.

Barnard Castle are the new leaders following a seven-wicket win at Bedale. The modest target of 135 was comfortably met when Michael Stanwix ending unbeaten on 67.

Marton moved up into third place when Gary Shaw inspired his side to an eight-wickets success over Normanby Hall.

Mark Lane (54) top-performed in the Hall's total of 186-7 before Shaw struck a superb undefeated 110 and Trodden added 67 not out to Marton's 189-2.

Wilson was another century-maker in Yarm's total of 224-4 at home to Redcar, who easily gained a share of the points replying with 185-4 which included 73 by Wilson and 61 not out from Whelan.

Danny Morgans was just two runs short of a century as Darlington posted 199-8 at Feethams and in an exciting finale, Stokesley were just nine runs short of victory but with their last pair at the wicket.

Only two sides won on Saturday and Billingham Synthonia's victory over Darlington enabled them to temporarily extend their lead at the top.

John Steel top-performed with 63 leading Synners to 186-7 and when Martin Cull again showed form returning the excellent figures of 5-27 in a continuous spell of 19 overs, Darlington were back in the pavilion for just 94 following 38 overs.

Bedale overtook the Stokesley total of 169-8 with six wickets in hand. James Clarkson, Andrew Smith and Davies all hit 50s for the visitors who found the bowling of Mark Ellis, 4-27, a problem.

The runs flowed at Seaton Carew where more than 500 were struck. Martin Skirving hit 19 boundaries in 107 and Daniel Robinson was five runs short of a century when Seaton declared on 285-6.

Andy Batchelor was the game's top scorer and his 123, also with 19 fours, kept Marske in the game. Raf Rashid hit 75 before being run out, and the Seasiders were on 228-6 at the close.

Chris Lane and Paul Campbell both passed 60 leading Marton to 239-8 at home to Barnard Castle. The visitors struggled in their reply but 35 from Michael Stanwix held the innings together but even so, at close of play, Castle were precariously placed at 138-8.

Guisborough still needed another 24 runs while Thornaby required one wicket when time was called. Rob Fergie struck a half century in the home side's total of 176-9 and Steve Donlon bowled continuously for 25 overs returning 4-60 in the Guisborough attack.

Opener Rob Hornbrook topscored with 31 but when Ian McDonald took 3-47 in 20 overs, including eight maidens and Dale Metcalfe 3-49, the visitors were struggling at the end.

There was another close finish at Yarm where Wolviston still needed 16 runs with two wickets left. Phil Featherstone ended unbeaten on 50 in Wolviston's 135-8 with five of the wickets for Rhys Barker.

Chris Jones and Jimmy Jones shared seven wickets in the Wolviston attack as Yarm totalled 150-9 from their 50 overs.

Paul Gettings (59no) and Geoff Robinson (51) led Normanby Hall to 207-5 at Redcar who were 157-8 at stumps including 46, with nine fours, by Lee Powell.