Foster's ECB North-East Regional Premier League: Norton must have fancied their chances of at least gaining a draw when they romped past the 200 mark but Newcastle's opening batsmen, captain Wayne Ritzema and Ryan Phillimore blasted their side to a ten wickets win.

They launched an assault so ferocious that not one of the seven bowlers used in the Norton attack profited and the target of 234 was reached without them being parted.

Ritzema, who has guided the Tynesiders to better times during his first season in charge, ended unbeaten on 125 and Phillimore contributed 103 not out to the scintillating partnership.

Chris Fawcett (54) and captain Kenny Gresham were also in good form opening for Norton. After the stand ended, Gresham went on to reach 90 in partnership forming another partnership with Marc Symington (40). Wickets then fell cheaply to Alex Brown (6-49) but the useful total of 233-7 was still achieved.

Stockton, hoping to end the season in at least third position, held off the challenge from Sunderland at Ashbrooke where they comfortably gained a draw.

Skipper Simon Old batted throughout the home side's innings ending undefeated on 103 which together with 63 from in-form Lee Rushworth, 43 by Alan Mustard and 53 from Franklin Rose, propelled the score to 270-4 before the declaration was applied.

Stockton made an innocuous start to their reply but Stephen Ward, batting at number three, ensured there would be no collapse when he carried his bat for 46.

There was a surfeit of runs at the Racecourse when Durham Academy met Chester-le-Street. A total of 563 were scored for just eight wickets but the game ended in a draw.

Only 21 runs separated the pair at the conclusion of an intriguing contest.

When they batted first, the Cestrians clearly enjoyed the wicket and the Academy attack, realising 292 for the loss of just a couple of wickets.

Allan Worthy led the way, carrying his bat for 143 and Quentin Hughes was just three runs short of a century when he was caught by Gary Scott.

David Barnes and Ben Harmison both passed 50 and Paul Cummings added 79 to the Durham total of 271-6 but when they took just ten points from the game, the Academy fell further behind South Northumberland in the race for the championship.

South North though would still be a little disappointed that they failed to see off Philadelphia.

At one stage, Phili threatened to upset the form book when Freddie Napier (54) and Jim Allenby (52) were together.

Their departures heralded a slump but the visitors still had sufficient in reserve to gain a draw with 183-8 on top from 61 overs. West Indian Reon King and Durham County's Ian Hunter both took three wickets.

Nicky Phillips was again among the wickets taking 4-65 and another spinner Lee Beaumont assisted with three for 78 from 19.2 overs before South North declared with 239-9 on the board from 58.2 overs.

Their top performer was Chris Hewison, who hit two sixes and 14 boundaries in 103 before falling victim to Phillips.

Blaydon needed only 28.2 overs to complete a seven wickets victory over Gateshead Fell.

Faced with the modest target of 152, the home side were given the perfect platform by Ian Somerville and Paul Underwood (41) who added 74 for the first wicket.

Somerville went on to finish undefeated on 76, hitting one five and 13 boundaries along the way.

Although Stewart Hutton opened with 34, the Fell's innings lacked substance and slowly produced a total of only 151 from no fewer than 62.4 overs.

Neil McGarrell sent down the maximum 20 overs delivering figures of 3-52, Johnny O'Neill returned 3-29 from 13 overs and Gary Stewart picked up a couple of wickets.

Tynemouth are still struggling for success. Just 16 runs and two wickets divided them from Benwell Hill when time was called.

John Atkinson (48) and Ian Purdy (53) set the Seasiders off on the right road and Graeme Hallam added 33 to the total of 196-7. Spinner Lee Crozier took three of the wickets for 49 runs.

Simon Birtwisle was the anchor man in Benwell Hill's reply. Opening the innings, he was still there at the end with 84 not out to his credit in a total of 180-8. John Callaghan was the most successful bowler in the home side's line-up with figures of 4-52.