Castle Eden moved into pole position for the first time when they defeated Boldon CA and Hylton and Murton drew their top-of-the-table clash.

Richard Ede, Allan Unsworth and Tony Banks combined to send Boldon back to the pavilion with 153 runs on the board. George Lincoln, Lee Jackson, Jason Jones and Gary Frater all made useful contributions but no batsman managed to take control of the innings.

In sharp contrast, Michael Higgin (44) and man-of-the-match Unsworth (44 not out) figured in a productive partnership for the second wicket to set their side on the road to victory. Gerard Magee and John Spellman Jnr also hit form.

Murton made their way to 169 all out in 50 overs with David Scorer (35) and Howard Ramshaw (34) leading the way before Phil Grimwood added a late, valuable 25 not out. A big prize for Hylton was the capture of Calvin Stephenson's wicket, who was bowled without scoring.

Keith Trotter, with 4-71 from 22 overs and Owen Williamson, whose five wickets cost just 32 runs, were the bowlers who did much to contain the visiting batsmen. Captain David Hanson batted throughout Hylton's reply ending unbeaten on 44 which together with 43 from David Batty, who hit four sixes and a couple of boundaries, steered the home side to 130-8 at stumps. Keith Chapman (4-21) almost snatched victory for Murton with an effective 11 overs stint.

Winless Houghton must have fancied their chances of at least a draw when they posted 200 for the loss of nine wickets at Seaham Park, who had also failed to record a victory. But Graham Jobes and David Morton rose to the occasion and it was Seaham who celebrated. Jobes carried his bat for 89 and Morton added 48 before Michael Donnelly and Andrew Worthy supported Jobes towards the end of the innings.

Until recently Ryhope threatened to challenge the leading sides but their hopes of making an impact in the title race receded again when they lost to Easington.

A total of only 138 compiled from 42 overs looked vulnerable and David Kennedy, who claimed six wickets for just 54 runs in 21.3 overs became man-of-the-match scoring an unbeaten 46 (eight boundaries).

Easington lost just four wickets and victory was achieved in 32 oves despite Paul Watson taking three of the wickets for 39 runs in 11 overs. John Minniss, with one six and eight fours in 70, top performed in the Ryhope innings.

A week ago, Dawdon topped leaders Murton but on Saturday they went down to Peterlee, who won for just the second time.

Dawdon were reduced to 87 and the home side must have thought victory was a formality.

But Mark Ewart and Jamie Greenwood struck back, both taking three wickets and in the end Peterlee had just one wicket left. They were indeed grateful to Hewson who went in at number six and was still there undefeated with 32.

Silksworth made by far the biggest score of the day, 254-7 but failed to win at Bill Quay. Graeme Weeks (87) and Phil Smailes (53) led the onslaught but undeterred the home side fought back and were comfortably placed on 182-7 at close.