Readers Durham County League: Kimblesworth's challenge is back on course and the manner in which they defeated Esh Winning suggests they will be among the front runners for the title.

Gavin Swan and Stephen Meek both claimed four wickets as Esh were reduced to 94 all out in 34.4 overs. For the first time this season professional Rakesh Dhurv failed and when he was also unsuccessful with the ball, Kimblesworth had seven wickets to spare.

Australian Michael Fishwick struck a couple of sixes and four boundaries in 43 made from 42 deliveries during 35 minutes at the wicket and although Eddie Watson took two of the three wickets to fall, the home side were never in danger.

Crook Town are second after seeing off the challenge from Mainsforth by six wickets. Robert Chismon (39) and Peat (40) were the principal scorers in the home total of 169-8. Nigel Davis captured four for 31 when introduced as third-change.

Richard Manuel (45), Ian Greener with 34 and Andrew Guy (30) then led Crook to their fourth win of the season.

Jim Allenby was again in splendid form in Brandon's victory at Sedgefield where the target of 189 evaporated when he formed a third-wicket partnership with Dean Card.

Allenby struck 16 boundaries in a polished innings of 126 not out and Card contributed 38 before he was run out with victory on the horizon. Brandon had seven wickets and more than five overs remaining.

Stephen Brodrick recorded eight boundaries out of 69, Kevin Wilkinson added 30 and James Foster (37) to Sedgefield's useful total of 188 which came in 44.3 overs. Michael Thorpe was the most productive bowler in the Brandon attack capturing four wickets for a mere 23 runs in five overs.

Willington comfortably defeated Shildon after restricting the home side to 131 in 44 overs. Stephen Foster top scored with 51 and, for the visitors, Gary Cummings claimed three for 25 runs in the maximum 12 overs, four of which were maidens.

When they replied, Willington had opener Karl Brown in form. He found the boundary line on 11 occasions, ending unbeaten on 65 as the target was reached in 31 overs for the loss of two wickets.

For the third successive game, Langley Park exceeded 200 runs but for the second time they lost. Etherley needed 212 for victory which they achieved as Colin Barker batted throughout the innings carrying his bat for 107. Yasas Tillakaratne contributed a crucial 44 and, in the Langley attack, David Gladstone and Stephen Huscroft both took three wickets.

Brad Jose's innings ended when he was run out on 83 and Robson added 46 to the home side's total of 211-9. In a game dominated by batsmen, Eddie Seery had the best bowling analysis of the 11 bowlers used when he claimed three for 38.

Chris Glasper was in superb form for Tudhoe and when he took seven wickets for a meagre 13 runs, Ushaw Moor were reduced to 111 all out which included 58 by Teneto Willett. Simon Davies gave support in the attack taking three for 11.

Batting first, Tudhoe overcame early shocks to end with 156 on the board. Kevin Littlefair (30) and David Ronson (45) were the principal contributors while for Ushaw Moor, Michael Hayton had the excellent analysis of 5-39 and Stephen Hancock was also among the wickets with 3-24.