THE race is on to see who will claim second place behind Division One champions Leadgate Golden Lion.

While the Lion were enjoying another goals spree both second placed Lanchester Social and Stateside had big away wins at Chopwell and Stanley Central respectively.

It now means that Lanchester are currently holding down the runners-up spot with a one point advantage over Stateside and both teams have two fixtures remaining.

Mark Turner struck yet another hat-trick and there were doubles for both John Dettmar and Denis Lishman as Golden Lion beat Lintz Cricket Club 7-1.

Burnhope brothers David High with a hat-trick and two-goal Daniel High steered Lanchester to a 6-2 win at Chopwell while Darren Watson scored twice for Stateside in their 5-3 success at Stanley Central.

Division Two champions Burton House won 4-2 at the Steel Club while Duncan McCullough scored five times to take Blackhill Cricketers into second spot with a 6-2 win at home to the Top Club.

Michael Brough scored twice to see Bute Arms to a 4-3 home win over Oxhill for whom Jamie Green scored twice while it ended all square at Shaftoes who shared four goals with the Smiths Arms.

David Sewell was another five goal marksman to help steer Horse & Groom to a 7-1 Third Division win over the Smelters while there was also a 7-1 win for runners-up Ball Alley at champions Burgoynnes with both Darren Scarr and Martin Pritchard notching hat-tricks.

Hat & Feather won 4-0 at Hamsteels and Medomsley Miners and Burnhope drew 2-2