In the Iopening game of the season, East Rainton lost for the first time in 40 attempts but the quickly made amends when they visited Kelloe at the weekend.

They sent their opponents crashing to just 38 all out as Gary Humphries claimed five wickets for a mere eight runs (writes Malcolm Pratt).

In reply, East Rainton romped to victory without conceding a wicket. Neil Matthews finished with 13 and Gordon Steel was unbeaten on 22.

Washington had seven wickets in hand of Simonside after restricting the home team to 101 in 42 overs. Peter Lyle sent down 12 overs in the visiting attack taking four for 21 while Hebron claimed two wickets at a cost of 24 runs.

Replying, Washington lost a couple of early wickets but Cuthbertson (25) partnered Neil Rayner in a productive third wicket stand which set their side on the way to success. Rayner ended unbeaten on 36 with one six and three boundaries.

Coundon just edged Plawsworth by two runs following a game which produced almost 300 runs. Batting first, Coundon ended with 147 for seven on the board which included 37 by Bell, who opened the innings and 59 from Tate at number three. Hinton captured three of the seven wickets to fall for 22 runs and Gott took two for 16. Responding, Plawsworth were in with a winning chance as Mike Browbank (52) and Whitfield (32) were together but in the end they were three runs short of victory ending with 145 for eight on the board. Hardy was the most productive bowler for Coundon with three for 32 while Murray and Napes both took a couple of wickets.

Hospitals and Hunwick tied their game both scoring 146. When they made first use of the wicket Hospitals realised 146 for six with most of the runs coming from Duncan Forrest (46) and D Shaw with an undefeated 39. Hedworth were indebted to opening batsman Breen for his 42 and later Johnson made a valuable 25 before the innings closed at 146 all out. D Shaw returned four for 43 and G R Shaw five for 41.

The games at Belmont, who were due to entertain Medomsley and at Wearmouth, where Newton Aycliffe were visitors, were both washed out.

In Division Two, East Rainton emulated their seniors but they had just six runs in hand on Wearmouth. Noble top scored with an unbeaten 45 as East Rainton posted 144 for five before Wearmouth ended on 138 all out. Hall picked up three wickets for 43 runs while Noble, Ball and Bell shared five wickets.

North Bitchburn managed only 71 at Washington for whom Garrard claimed three for 12, Brown two for 24 and Bowes two wickets at a cost of just one run.

When they went to the wicket first Washington ended at 128 for eight which included 28 by Bewick, 29 from Garrard and an undefeated 24 from Guy. Lee, N Dalton and G Dalton all took two wickets in the North Bitchburn attack.

Bearpark made a useful 154 and then sent Coxhoe back to the pavilion for just 48 runs. The Coxhoe batsmen found the bowling of Paton particularly difficult as he ended with five for 32. Willis had three for six and Tate two for seven.

Batting first, Bearpark had Ken Langford in form and he contributed 31 after opener Marshall (24) and Hewitt (27) had given the side a good send off. Kelly, too, was also among the runs making 24 and in the Coxhoe attack both Carr and Adsett too a couple of wickets but it was Mullen introduced as change, who was the most successful with three for 13.

Littletown was just eight runs short of 200 when their innings closed at Newton Aycliffe who managed only 79 in response. Openers M Nixon (44) and McDonald (34) were both among the runs for Littletown before Strong, with 46 not out, gave impetus to the innings. Little was in excellent form for Newton Aycliffe returning the outstanding figures of six for 52 while Mitchie and Hall both took two wickets.

When they went into bat Aycliffe were quickly in trouble and stumbled to 79 all out as Strong picked up three wickets for 13 runs and John Ricketts three for 17. Both D Nixon and Chapman returned two wickets.

The game at Medomsley where Tantobie were due to play was cancelled because the ground was unfit.

Plawsworth played their game with Burnhope at Durham City on Sunday and the game ended in a tie. McMahon (36) led Plawsworth to 124 for eight with Reynoldson returned four for 37 for Burnhope who, in reply, were all out for 124. Johnson with 33 and Grey (40) almost won the game for Burnhope but in the end the splendid bowling of Morrison with six for 14 proved decisive.