Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League Division One: Great Ayton won the match of the day against Wolviston and leap-frogged their rivals into pole position.
David Grainge was their matchwinner with the bat ending unbeaten on 102 after striking one six and 17 boundaries.
The target of 170 was within sight before his opening partner Glen Mudd was sent back after contributing 57 with a couple of sixes and eight fours. Mudd's wicket was to be Wolviston's only success.
When they batted first, the visitors posted 169 from 48.4 overs with John Woolnough adding 51 with no fewer than ten boundaries and Geoff Peacock 33.
Anthony Doyle bowled unchanged in the Ayton attack, sending down 24.4 overs for figures of 5-85. Mudd too, had a lengthy stint capturing 4-43 in 15 overs, six of which were maidens.
Seaton Carew stay third despite losing by 60 runs to Barnard Castle, for whom Andrew Toulson was in top form with both bat and ball.
His 33 runs included seven fours, David Stanwix had no fewer than ten boundaries, making 46, and Mark Little ended unbeaten with 32 as the home side realised 163-8 from 50 overs. John Fitzpatrick proved to be the most effective bowler in the Seaton attack and from no fewer than 17 overs he conceded just 30 runs for three wickets.
The visitors never got to grips with their task and following 31.4 overs they were back in the pavilion for just 103 as Toulson claimed four wickets for 51 runs in 14 overs.
The runs flowed at Bedale and especially for Ryan Williams. He batted from start to finish in the Bedale innings, hitting two sixes and 13 fours in an undefeated 107 which propelled the home side to 235-5.
His effort though failed to secure victory as Boro replied with 107-7 and it was veteran Philip Staves who almost claimed success for Bedale when he took five wickets for a mere 27 runs in 17 overs, seven of which were maidens.
Marton won by six wickets at Marske, who realised 156-9 including 39 by Andrew Batchelor and 41 from Karl Bramwell. Mark Ditchburn and Dean Kirby shared seven wickets before Marton won, losing just four of their batsmen. Gary Knight remained steady, finishing undefeated with 43, which included one six and six boundaries.
Billingham Synthonia had just three runs to spare at the end of an exciting game with Guisborough. Replying to the home side's total of 153-8, Guisborough were all out for 150 with just one ball of their innings remaining.
Openers James Riley (34) and Rob Hornbrook, who struck one six and seven fours making 48, gave the visitors' innings a good send-off, but Keith Martin pegged away and in 25 excellent overs, he took seven wickets for 44 runs.
When they batted first, Synners made their way to a modest total, which would have been a good deal less but for a late 27 by Martin Cull and the assistance of 30 extras. Steve Trillo had a good day with the ball for Guisborough, taking 4-30 from 17 overs, including six maidens.
After reducing Stokesley to just 124 when Ramzan returned 3-21 and three other bowlers, Bell, Robinson and Brown all claimed a couple of wickets, Normanby Hall won with five of their wickets intact. Three of their batsmen fell to Ian West for 24 runs and the Hall were indebted to opener Shohab for his timely innings of 36. Danny Morgans (31), Symonds (65 not out) and Colin Biglin with 71 led Darlington to an impressive 226-4 against Redcar at Feethams. Douglas (68) then steered the Seasiders to 171-8 and helped to earn his side a share of the points.
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