THE Symington brothers were prominent but their performances were overshadowed by Allan Worthy as Chester-le-Street won by four wickets at Norton.

Marc (31) and Craig, who finished on 56, produced most of the runs in a total of less than 150. Ian Jones claimed three wickets for just 28 runs and Ian Hunter (4-44) as the pair dominated.

The Cestrians did not have things all their own way when they replied but a captain's innings by Worthy secured victory. He batted throughout and was undefeated on 73.

Following their first-day victory, Stockton suffered a seven-wickets defeat at the hands of Durham Academy.

Richard Waite and Guy Darwin were the prominent batsmen with the visitors reaching 180, with Chris Rushworth returning the excellent figures of 5-27 for the Academy.

David Barrick then dominated Durham's reply and his 79 together with 34 from Paul Cummings earned Geoff Cook's side a second win.

Newcastle just had the edge over Sunderland in the Wear-Tyne derby at Ashbrooke. Runs were at a premium throughout and it was an enormous struggle for the home side to make just 88 including 32 by captain Simon Old.

The introduction of James Bailey and John Robinson into the Newcastle attack brought about Sunderland's downfall. They both claimed four wickets but hopes of an easy win for Newcastle quickly receded.

Wickets fell cheaply but Gordon Muchall came to the rescue and his contribution of 48 was crucial to a three-wickets victory.

The start at Bunker Hill was delayed until 2pm and not surprisingly, the game between Philadelphia and Blaydon ended in a draw.

Paul Riddle is adapting well to the Premier League and his innings of 42, together with 36 by the more experienced Freddie Napier, enabled Phili to post 135-4 in the restricted allocation of overs.

Blaydon's batsmen also found the going difficult on the rain-affected wicket but despite West Indian Fernix Thomas impressing with 4-36, the visitors were never seriously in danger. At stumps, they were 106-6 which included 37 by Stewart.

Pakistani Shahid Nazir and Martin Pollard bowled Benwell Hill to victory over Tynemouth. Nazir sent down 19 overs taking 5-40 and Pollard had figures of 4-32 as the Seasiders were reduced to 160.

When the Hill made first use of the wicket, Simon Birtwisle was just eight runs short of a century and Phil Mustard added 56 to the total of 215. Russell Perry bowled a good end for Tynemouth, taking 6-53 in 19 overs and Barry Stewart had 4-68 from his 16.1-overs spell.

There was no play in the game between Gateshead Fell and South Northumberland because the ground was unfit.