Washington continue to lead division one following their easy victory over Belmont at the weekend, writes MALCOLM PRATT.

The visitors were at the wicket for only 23.2 overs scoring just 48 as Alan Wilkie ripped through the innings. He ended with seven for 15 in 11.2 overs, three of which were maidens while both Matthew Thompson and Bill Plender took one wicket apiece.

The target was comfortable for Washington who occupied the crease for only 11 overs scoring 49 for the loss of one wicket. Nick Thompson carried his bat for 23 and Nick Rayner was 19 not out.

Champions East Rainton, who have lost once in six outings, are second after they defeated Coundon by ten wickets. When Coundon batted first they managed only 87 in 31 overs and the total would have been a good deal less but for a late 34, with two sixes and three boundaries, by Brian Hardy batting at number nine. Gary Humphries sent down 11 overs in the East Rainton attack taking five wickets for 30 runs and Ian Kitching returned four wickets for five runs from the 5.5 overs he delivered.

In reply East Rainton romped home in 22 overs without losing a wicket. Gordon Steel struck eight fours out of an unbeaten 46 and Neil Matthews carried his bat for 28 with four boundaries.

Newton Aycliffe celebrated their third win defeating Sunderland Hospitals by nine wickets. Faced with a target of 113, they lost an early wicket before Stuart Mitchie hit two sixes and seven fours in 63 not out and Stephen Bell contributed 38 not out with six boundaries.

Batting first Sunderland Hospitals totalled 112 all out which included 36 not out by Ralph Richardson who found the boundary line on four occasions. John Williams was in superb form with the ball for Aycliffe turning in a man of the match performance capturing seven wickets for just 20 runs in 12 overs, three of which were maidens.

Plawsworth had six wickets in hand over Hunwick. Peter Harwood claimed five wickets for 24 runs and Kevin Jones three for 26 when Hunwick were sent back for 115 runs including 32 not out by Pratt.

Jon Alderson led the Plawsworth reply scoring 54 and his opening partner Ian Pratt made 26 out of a total of 117 for four.

Medomsley were dismissed for 69 by Kelloe for whom Hughes took three wickets for seven runs, Pratt three for 15 and Turnbull three for ten, but the modest total still proved sufficient as Kelloe were dismissed at the end of an exciting game for only 68 runs.

P Dixon took four wickets for only nine runs, M Dixon had two for nine and G Dixon two for 26 in the Medomsley attack.

After scoring only 68 Wearmouth went down by ten wickets to Simonside for whom M Thompson carried his bat for 42 and D Thompson finished unbeaten on 21. P Thompson was in good form with the ball for Simonside electing four wickets for 17 runs while Main had three for 26 and Haynes two for ten.

Washington also head division two and they made it four wins out of five defeating Burnhope by 33 runs.

Batting first Washington made a formidable 212 for nine which included 51 by Bewick and 54 from Kerry. Kirtley added 28 and Fallon 23 while for Burnhope Morrison had three for 43, Trow two for 50 and Omar two for 62.

When they went into bat Burnhope lost three batsmen for a combined total of only eight runs, but Johnson found an able partner in Omar. Johnson, who went in at number three, ended undefeated on 81 and Omar made 49 before being run out. When the partnership was broken Burnhope then lost wickets to finish with 179, 34 runs from a winning margin.

Bowes had a good day with the ball for Washington capturing three wickets for 40 runs and Kirtley claimed three for 43.

Bearpark posted 239 losing one wicket at the end of their 45 overs in the home game with Newton Aycliffe. Craig Hewitt was in magnificent form when he crashed one six and 18 boundaries in an undefeated 131. He formed a century opening partnership with Paul Marshall whose 80 included three sixes and seven fours.

Responding Newton Aycliffe were all out in 37.4 over for 146 which included 55 by Chris Palmer. He struck two sixes and found the boundary line on four occasions.

Michael Bell was in splendid form for Bearpark claiming five wickets for 31 runs in 12 overs three of which were maidens. Willis with two for 36 and Tate two for 40 gave admirable support.

East Rainton managed only 89 all out in 21.1 overs and lost by eight wickets at Tantobie whose match winner with the ball was Jason Greenside. He bowled seven overs capturing seven wickets for just 27 runs. David Brown, Glen Craig and David Bellamy all took one wicket.

When Tantobie went into bat they lost just a couple of wickets and the innings lasted 16.2 overs. Stephen English ended unbeaten on 53 with two sixes and seven fours and Brent Lodge contributed 34 with two sixes and four boundaries.

Medomsley were defeated by Littletown who had eight wickets remaining. Faced with a target of 117 they were given a sound send off by Davis who batted throughout for an unbeaten 25 and by Nixon 18. Nelson added 24 but it was Andy Woollett who gave momentum to the innings as he ended undefeated on 40.

Batting first Medomsley were back in the pavilion for 116 runs which included 41 by opener Emmerson. Suleman was the most successful bowler in the Littletown attack with three for 27 while John Ricketts took two for 22 and Andy Woollett two for 14.

Wearmouth managed only 109 but still won by 13 runs at North Bitchburn, who were all out for 96 including 41 by opening batsman Allott. Walton took three wickets for six runs and Murphy four for 20 for Wearmouth, who when they made first use of the wicket found Lee in splendid form with the ball for North Bitchburn. He conceded just six runs and took four wickets.

Plawsworth played their fixture at Durham City on Sunday and defeated Coxhoe by the big margin of 144 runs. Jamie Brooks (72), Peter McMahon (38) and Mike Rozinski (31no) led Plawsworth to the formidable total of 244 for eight in 45 overs.

Newton had the best bowling figures for Coxhoe returning three for 76, but when Robinson took three for 24 the visitors were all out for 100.