Durham Coast League

Hylton and Murton continue to set the pace, but while the former had nine wickets to spare meeting a target of 126, Murton found it a lot more difficult when they were required to overtake an almost identical score.

Seaham Park's James Taylor and David Morton had Murton on the back foot before the joint leaders edged home by two wickets, mainly as a result of the efforts of Calvin Stephenson (25) and Howard Ramshaw with 23 not out.

Stephenson was also Murton's star man with the ball claiming seven wickets for just 45 runs when the Park were sent back for only 122 which included 40 from Andrew Worthy and a useful 28 by Morton.

In contrast, Hylton romped home at Boldon CA. Opener Joe Bittlestone was in scintillating form crashing 64 before becoming Boldon's only success. His first wicket partner, captain David Hanson, ended unbeaten on 25 and 30 extras propelled Hylton to 127-1 in quick time.

Father and son David and Jason Jones shared an opening partnership for Boldon and between them they contributed 48 of their team's 126 all out. Steve Gleason was quickly into his stride when introduced as second change into the Hylton attack and his six wickets, together with three from the evergreen Keith Trotter meant that the champions faced only a modest target.

Last season's runners-up Peterlee have yet to win. After two defeats they were held to a draw by Houghton who were grateful to Gary Robinson's 34 as they battled to 110-8.

Peterlee posted 200-6 batting first with most of the runs coming from Nicky Beall (41), Keith Hewson (42), and David Young (40 not out).

Graeme Smith produced an all-round matchwinning performance for Ryhope against Bill Quay. He claimed four wickets and John Leslie did likewise, restricting the Quay to 168 all out before Smith went on to dominate Ryhope's reply making 62.

Howe added a useful 35 and Leslie 31 as victory was achieved for the loss of four wickets. David Orridge (49) and David Hunt (47) were the mainstays for Quay.

Despite losing Gerard Magee early, Castle Eden passed the Silksworth total with ease. Michael Higgin's half century was followed by a good 39 from Allan Unsworth before John Spellman junior carried his bat for 41 in an unbroken partnership for the fourth wicket with Brown who contributed 29.

Graeme Weeks and Chris Pringle both made 34 for Silksworth as Unsworth and Race claimed three wickets apiece.

Easington had the better of Dawdon in the local derby. David Kennedy was man of the match taking 3-39 from a lengthy 19 overs spell and when Dane Wilson returned 4-23 in eight overs, Dawdon could only muster 118. Mark Race struck nine boundaries making 47 and Kennedy finished unbeaten on 41 as Easington secured victory losing just a couple of wickets.

l Newly-promoted Newcastle City continue to impress, with champions Shotley Bridge their latest victims in the Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League.

Masood Mirza claimed four of the six wickets to fall for only 55 runs as The Spa side ended with a respectable 153-6. Phil Brown (39) and Neil Burdon (35) scored most of Shotley's runs. Mirza then steered City home carrying his bat for 50 and forming a partnership with Sohail (30) after three wickets had fallen cheaply.

Stephen Humble was in outstanding form for Swalwell at Lintz. Lintz struggled against the pace of Humble who captured seven for 38 helping send the home side were sent back for 98. The Swalwell innings ended on 139.

Sacriston had the advantage of 55 extras in a total of 162-5 at Ryton where Harry Hubber carried his bat for 64 after Paul Henderson had led Ryton to 160-5 scoring 60.

Lanchester look as if they will also be strong challengers for honours and Malcolm Small's unbeaten 75 featured in a seven-wicket victory at Annfield Plain.

Neil Wood and Simon Prudhoe were half-century contributors to Ashington's near-200 total at home to Tynedale who fell short of teh target. Leadgate continue to impress with an eight-wicket victory at home to Backworth.

Whickham are setting the pace in Division Two and 18-year old Zimbabwean Michael Brundle recorded a couple of sixes and 14 boundaries in 129 at Consett who were well short when bowled out for only 158. Burnopfield, looking to return to the top flight at the first attempt, scraped home against Ponteland when they were required to score 214.