Foster's ECB North-East Regional Premier League: Durham Academy strengthened their grip on the leadership with victory over challengers Chester-le-Street in the match of the day at the Racecourse Ground.

For once, starlet Daniel Shurben failed and the Cestrians' total of 177 was clearly vulnerable. There were a couple of early successes for the visitors but Stephen Gale (32) and Kyle Coetzer, who is in fine form, contributed 58 to a productive third-wicket partnership.

Ben Harmison then finished unbeaten on 33 and the Academy secured a four-wicket victory even though Graeme Bridge claimed four wickets for just 57 runs.

Blaydon are second following their drawn game with Norton. Skipper Mark Drake set the scene scoring 83 but it was Ray Marshall who hurried the score along to 250-5 declared when he ended undefeated on 102.

Marc Symington, who took three of the five wickets, was also in outstanding form with the bat for Norton and his 85 was crucial. Stephen Riddell added a valuable 30 and at stumps, Norton were comfortable on 215-7.

The same cannot be said for Philadelphia's batsmen and the fragility of their line-up was again evident at Bunker Hill where they collapsed following a reasonable start.

James Lowe (39) and Freddie Napier with 48 raised hopes of a good total but wickets then fell cheaply and it was always going to be difficult to defend just 148.

Shahid Nazir and Martin Pollard did the damage and although Benwell Hill's first three batsmen scored only 14 runs between them, Phil Mustard showed his class leading the visitors to a five-wicket victory.

He took the Phili attack apart crashing five sixes and 13 boundaries and was only three runs short of a century when he was bowled by Fernix Thomas, who took four of the five wickets.

Gateshead Fell's batsmen fared even worse. They struggled through 36 overs making just 83 in 151 minutes against Newcastle at Jesmond.

Paul Lindsay returned the outstanding figures of 5-17 in 12 overs including six maidens and Jonathan Bailey weighed in with 3-21 from the three overs he delivered.

Newcastle were never troubled in their reply and Gordon Muchall finished with 32 not out to complete a comprehensive eight-wicket win.

Stockton too found it difficult at the wicket and were sent back for less than 100 in their home game with South Northumberland. West Indian paceman Reon King claimed six wickets and spinner Lee Crozier three.

In contrast, South North were able to declare with 220-5 on top. Skipper John Graham maintained his good form with 71 and opening partner Adam Heather added 50.

Runs were plentiful at Ashbrooke. Ian Purdy (57), Graeme Hallam (44), John Burn (33 not out) and Ben Debnam (41) led Tynemouth to an impressive 253 for six declared.

Openers Simon Old and Robin Weston both reached 60 and Simon Brown added a valuable 35 but when time was called Sunderland were only 238-8, 16 runs short of a winning margin.