Darlington Building Society NYSD League Review.

Redcar still lead the Premier Division and yesterday's victory over twice champions Guisborough will have done their confidence a power of good.

It was a close call though and just 11 runs separated the pair following an enthralling contest. David Towse was as economical as ever, claiming five wickets for 57 runs in 25 overs as the Seasiders were restricted to 153-9.

When all five Redcar bowlers claimed wickets, Guisborough could only manage 142 and not even the best efforts of Gary Murray, Gary Bolton and Johnny May could save then.

Saltburn defeated Darlington by five wickets to leapfrog their rivals into second place, just a couple of points adrift of Redcar.

Mark Jobling carried his bat for 70 in the Darlington total of 179-7 before Tony Bell (45) and Ditta, with an unbeaten 55 led Saltburn to a crucial win.

Darlington RA's six-game unbeaten record was ended by Richmondshire at Brinkburn Road. Ben Biker's 47 was important when Richmond struggled to 138-9 as Maroof Khan returned 4-54.

RA looked to be on the way to victory at 83-1 but nine wickets then fell for just 38 runs. It was Darren Hickey (57) who raised the hopes of RA which were destroyed by Dissanayake and Fleming who both claimed four wickets.

Marske's early-season challenge received a jolt when they lost a high-scoring game to Bishop Auckland. Set a target of 213, Bishops surged home when Richard Hawthorne (82) and Amul Mazumdar (74 not out) added 132 for the second wicket.

Darren Blenkiron's 43 was an important contribution.

Normanby Hall's Mohamed Zahid was largely responsible for Middlesbrough losing for the fourth time. He bowled throughout and in 25 hugely economical overs, took seven wickets for just 43 runs. He then figured in an unbroken partnership for the fifth wicket with Lee Sykes (45 not out), contributing an unbeaten 30.

John Darby struck a six and 10 boundaries in 114 before being run out but his superb effort failed to earn Blackhall victory as Thornaby held on for a draw.

Phil Merryweather and Martin Dex defied the Colliers' attack in which Gavin Watts and Stephen Hanson both took three wickets.

Jonathan Barnes produced another outstanding performance for Northallerton against Hartlepool. After making a top-scoring 74 out of a total of 187-8 he bowled 24 overs returning 5-41 but Pool were unfazed at stumps with 151-8 on top.

Wolviston held on for a one-wicket victory over Marton and retained the leadership of Division One. In a low-scoring game, Mark Benfield contributed almost half the Marton total of 100 when he made 47 despite the best endeavours of Ian Brooksbank and Jimmy Jones to claim his wicket earlier.

Wolviston's batsmen then found the going tough as Marton skipper Dean Kirby claimed six wickets for just 43 runs in 16 overs.

Billingham Synthonia lost ground when they went down to Seaton Carew, who moved ahead of them into second place.

Darlington suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Barnard Castle at Feethams.

Andy Toulson had one six and five fours in 75 not out and David Stanwix made a useful 33 in the visitors' total of 179-8. Simon Gough was Darlington's most effective bowler taking 4-73 in 21 overs.

When the home side replied, they found the bowling of Stanwix, whose 14 overs returned 4-21 and Richard Eastwood (3-60) too much and they failed to make three figures.