Hinderwell are still unbeaten and lead Division One after their victory over Boosbeck, writes Malcolm Pratt.

The visiting batsmen fund run-making difficult against the bowling of Mark Swain who returned the magnificent figures of eight for 17 in 13 overs, six of which were maidens. almost half the Boosbeck total of 67 came from Simon Baynes who contributed 31.

In reply, Hinderwell lost four wickets but were never in serious danger. Their innings last 17 overs and Gary Savilles put a couple of sixes and three boundaries in 30. Baynes and Ward both took two wickets for Boosbeck.

Norton are second following their drawn game with Loftus. Batting first, Loftus realised 191 losing just two wickets as Pearson ended unbeaten on 105 and Barrett contributed 69 not out to a century partnership for the third wicket.

In reply, Norton ended with 158 for six on the board which included a top scoring 30 by Sillars. Hirst, Hall, O'Brien and Bowler all made at least 20 while for Loftus, Barrett claimed three of the six wickets to fall for 29 runs.

The Merlin were on top when time was up in their drawn match with Ormesby Hall. Batting first The Merlin realised 209 for seven mainly as a result of a late partnership between Moss (75no) and Burdon with 58. Newson was the most productive bowler in the Ormesby Hall attack returning three for 37.

When they went into bat Ormesby Hall totalled 127 for eight with Burdon taking two for just 30 runs.

Staithes defeated Paragonians by seven wickets. The home side were restricted to 109 as Thornton returned four for 36. Bowes, Theaker and Allen shared five wickets for Staithes who were then indebted to number two batsman Ward who finished with 61 not out in a total of 113 for three.

Moorsholm were dismissed for just 54 at Dormans for whom Dale captured six for 13 and Hadfield three for 17.

In their innings which reached 189 for seven declared, Dormans had Iqbal in form and he made a top scoring 49 while for Moorsholm, Ward took three for 25.

Brotton are ahead in Division Two and they won for the third time in five outings defeating Normanby Parklands B by 40 runs. Garbutt ended undefeated on 55 in the Brotton total of 150 for eight declared while for Normanby Parklands, Fahid and Plunkett both took two wickets. When they responded, Normanby Parklands were all out for 110 of which Harrow top scored with 36. Whitwell had a good day with the ball for Brotton, taking four for 49 while both Yeoman and Smith claimed two wickets apiece.

Hartlepool Rugby Football Club managed just 49 all out in 17.2 overs at New Marske for whom Richie Lightwing returned six for 26 in eight overs, two of which were maidens. He was supported in the attack by Andrew Hailstone whose two wickets cost him just seven runs in seven overs. Responding, New Marske reached the winning target losing just two wickets in 15 overs as Robert Burns ended with 18 not out which included two fours. Wakefield captured two of the three wickets to fall for 26 runs in 8.2 overs.

Normanby Parklands had 47 runs in hand of Ormesby Hall. Parklands ended with 150 on the board which included 52 by Maroof and for Ormesby Hall, Pelling took four wickets for 69 runs.

When they batted, Ormesby Hall managed only 103 which included 33 by opener Matthewman. Mallon claimed four for 32 and Reader three for 37 for Parklands.

Skelton Castle dismissed Cowpen Bewley for just 81 runs with Gratton taking five for 23 runs. Runs were more plentiful as Skelton Castle made first use of the wicket and ended with 149 for nine which included 31 by Griffiths and 37 not out from Smith. Carr was in good form with the ball for Cowpen Bewley ending with four for 44 and both Lang and Walker took two wickets. Lloyd claimed five for 88, Hatch three for 52 and Mitchell one for 25 when Loftus reached 175 against Dormanstown. Pearson top performed scoring 47 for Loftus who then dismissed Dormanstown to just 66 as Crooks returned three for 20, Smithers two for nine and Shaw four for ten.