Durham Coast League: Silksworth are still out in front after completing a weekend double but they had a close call before defeating Dawdon yesterday.

Despite skipper David Tate (83) and Paul Smailes (45) producing an opening century partnership, the Wearsiders had just one ball to spare reaching the target of 192.

Stephen Lobban contributed a crucial unbeaten 26 at the end. Shoaib Akhtar with 63 and Ryan Consitt (31) led Dawdon to the useful total of 191 despite Stephen Wright and Chris Pringle both claiming four wickets at economical cost in the Silksworth attack.

Murton also won both games and are just two points adrift of the leaders. They made short work of Bill Quay who were reduced to 104 by the efforts of Calvin Stephenson with 7-43. Min Mahil (33) and Richard Lowes (30 not out) completed a simple task.

Ryhope moved up into third position with a nine-wicket success at Peterlee. Despite 80 from Paul Griffiths, the home side managed only 138 and Graeme Anderson then crashed an unbeaten 106 for Ryhope.

Hylton bounced back to form with a seven-wicket success at Boldon CA for whom George Lincoln contributed 65 to a total of 151. Gary Hewitt (84 not out) and Christopher Allen (29 not out) formed a century unbeaten partnership for the fourth wicket after Hylton's first three batsmen had contributed only 21 runs.

On Saturday. Silksworth romped to victory at Hylton who played at their Billy Hardy complex for the first time this season.

But, despite returning home, they failed to celebrate and were bundled out for just 65. Silksworth skipper David Tait completed the task with an unbeaten 37 in a ten-wicket victory.

Murton had a seven-wicket win over Peterlee, who made just 79.

The other four games were drawn and three produced close results. Seaham Park were only 12 runs short of a winning margin at Boldon CA where Andrew Docherty (44), Akhtar (34) and David Martin (32) led the reply which produced 192-7.

Andrew O'Connell (57 not out) and George Lincoln (44 not out) put together a productive unbroken partnership for the sixth wicket which enabled Boldon to declare with 203-5 on top.

Just 17 runs separated Dawdon and Bill Quay. The visitors' 167-9 came from 50 overs and included an unbeaten 41 from Chris Little. Shoaib Akhtar was again in form for Dawdon claiming four wickets before contributing 31.

Michael Watson hit a six and seven boundaries in 49 but at stumps, Dawdon were only 150-6 compiled from 41 overs. Anthony Trotter's 4-31 in eight overs was crucial for Bill Quay.

There were only 20 runs and one wicket between Ryhope and Easington. Batting first, Ryhope posted 167 with John Minnis (85) making more than half the total before being run out.

David Kennedy and Stuart Wilson shared nine wickets and Kennedy (32) and James Robson (33) raised the hopes of Easington but the innings eventually stuttered to 147-9 as Paul Watson and Errington caused them problems.

Bottom-of-the-table Houghton battled for a draw at Castle Eden where they were 92 for the loss of five wickets. Castle Eden's 148 included 32 from John Spellman junior and for Houghton, Jon Grant claimed 5-54.