Durham Coast League: Murton now have an 11-point lead at the top following victory at Ryhope, where Calvin Stephenson produced another man-of-the-match performance.

The all-rounder - who has been such an inspiration throughout the season - claimed four wickets and top-scored leading his side to a crucial win.

He was ably assisted in the attack by Joe Dodd, whose five wickets cost him just 36 runs as Ryhope stuttered to 145 all out. John Leslie attempted to hold the innings together, contributing 44, but by and large the batsmen were contained by Murton's two-pronged attack.

Stephenson then took over with the bat, contributing 42, which together with useful scores from David Scorer, Richard Lowes and Keith Chapman enabled Murton to gain maximum points and extend their advantage over rival contenders for the championship.

Hylton are second after they saw off the challenge of Castle Eden, who dropped two places in the pecking order. Runs were in short supply and when Castle Eden managed only 97 the omens were not good. But they made the Wearsiders fight all the way before going down by three wickets.

David Batty, with six wickets for just 27 runs and Shaun Smith (3-35), were problematic in the visiting attack, but so too was Allan Unsworth when Hylton responded to the modest target.

He claimed five wickets for only 37 runs but Hylton edged to a crucial success, with 32 by Joe Bittlestone and 27 from Batty the highlights of their innings.

Silksworth moved into third place with a four-wicket victory at Boldon CA. Gary Critchley opened the home side's innings and was still there at the end unbeaten on 72 out of a total of 120.

Skipper David Tate (44) led by example when the visitors responded. Two wickets fell cheaply before Tate was joined by Chris Pringle (30) in a third-wicket partnership which laid the foundations for victory.

The local derby between Easington and Peterlee ended in a draw.

Nicky Beall struck four sixes and six boundaries, making 103, and his opening partner Chris Ford had four fours in 51. The momentum was maintained by David Young with an unbeaten 30 as the formidable total of 226-5 was realised from 50 overs.

Easington had 39 overs in which to mount a winning reply, but they only managed a total of 106-5.

David Kennedy (36) and Robbie Atherton, with an unbeaten 44, ensured their side gained a share of the points even though Chris Ford bowled a good end in the Peterlee attack, taking 3-25 in an economical 13 overs.

Two games were badly affected by rain. Seaham Park were 75-4 before a downpour ruled out any further play in their home game with Bill Quay and Houghton were 95 with five of their wickets intact including that of Graeme Jones (30 not out) when they met Dawdon.