Lanchester strengthened their position at the top of the table, defeating Backworth while Newcastle City went down to Sacriston.

Once again, it was the twin spin attack of Banda (4-28) and Farouk Iqbal (4-35) which paved the way for Lanchester's fifth win of the season. The modest target of 130 quickly evaporated when Phil Carlin, with 63, and Andrew Donnelly (38 not out) joined together in a second-wicket partnership.

Australian Gavin Swan produced his best figures so far as Sacriston inflicted a first defeat on Newcastle City. It was a close-run thing though with just a couple of runs separating the pair at the end of an exciting match.

Swan took 5-51, including the wickets of Sohail (33) and Kumar (40), who threatened to win the game for City when they were involved in a mid-innings stand. Stephen Ball gave support with four wickets for only 41 runs.

Ball and Harry Hubber both added 25 and there was a late 22 from Ian Patterson which proved invaluable as Sacriston made 138 all out with Kumar, Sohail and Masood Mirza all taking three wickets.

Lintz maintained their challenge for top spot with a big win over Shotley Bridge. Stephen Smith and David Baxter both struck half-centuries helping Lintz to pass the 200 mark which was more than sufficient when the visitors were sent back for only 156. Gary Johnson with four wickets for just 14 runs was the main destroyer of the Bridge innings.

Despite scoring only 103, Ryton won for the first time. Steve Lugsden returned the splendid figures of 6-29 and Keith Morris weighed in with 3-26 as Annfield Plain were dismissed for 90.

Dale Ross (72) topped the scoring when Ashington realised more than 250 in their home fixture with Swalwell, whose professional Stephen Humble was unable to bowl because of injury. Humble batted and scored 38 but although Jason Dumighan contributed 58, Swalwell ended well beaten as Paul Rutherford picked up five wickets.

Lee Innes, Sean Ackerman and Paul Hockaday shared the ten wickets when Tynedale made 178 all out at Leadgate, who were pegged to 137 mainly by the bowling of Richard Darling with 4-39.

For once, Michael Brundle failed and so too did Second Division leaders Whickham, who lost for the first time when Blyth went on to win by seven wickets.