Another herculean effort from Calvin Stephenson, who was supported by Joe Dodd, swept Murton to a three-figure win at Easington, which keeps them ahead at the top of the table.

When the first three batsmen were dismissed for a combined total of only 16 runs, Stephenson came to the rescue. He formed a productive partnership with David Scorer (34) and went on to carry his bat for a superb 131 as Murton finished on the defendable total of 225-6.

It was then that Dodd went to work.

He claimed the wickets of the first four Easington batsmen and, although Robbie Atherton temporarily held up the visitors by scoring 32, Dodd went on to collect a total of six wickets for just 23 runs and the innings realised only 112.

Peterlee lost ground in the title chase when they were held to a draw at Ryhope where they were required to score 215 runs for victory. Nicky Beall gave them a good start scoring 84 but when time was called the innings had realised just 182-7 as Michael Evans captured four wickets for 54 runs.

Ryhope captain Marc Hopkinson was again in fine form leading his side to 214 all out. His contribution was 80 and Kris Taylor added 37 while for Peterlee, no bowler did better than Keith Hewson whose six-wickets haul cost just 59 runs.

Hylton enhanced their championship prospects and dented those of Silksworth when the near top-of-the-table clash by nine wickets.

It took them just 25 overs to score the necessary 147 runs as Joe Bittlestone and David Hanson put together an opening stand of 58.

This was followed by an unbroken partnership of 89 between Bittlestone and Gary Hewitt, the latter recording six fours in 34 not out. Bittlestone's unbeaten 71 included no fewer than 13 boundaries.

When they batted first, Silksworth occupied the crease for 49.1 overs making 146 and most of the runs came from David Tait (48) and Graeme Weeks with 30.

Owen Williamson bowled no fewer than 20 overs for Hylton, returning 3-58 and Stephen Emmerson had 5-43 from his 18 overs.

Seaham Park won the bottom-of-the-table battle at Boldon CA by four wickets.

John Witton bowled them into an attainable position by taking eight wickets for just 50 runs in 16 overs, five of them maidens.

Boldon were sent back for 130 and after early scares, Seaham rallied through Allan Worthy with 35. George Lincoln took 4-34 in 12.3 overs for Boldon.

Basement side Houghton suffered an eight-wickets defeat visiting Dawdon where the Stephensons were prominent. Youngster Andrew made 50 before being run out and Bobby finished undefeated on 70 out of a total of 154-2.

Despite another fine innings from Ian Hauxwell (53), Houghton struggled against the bowling of Ian White (6-34) and the innings eventually closed on 151.

There was an interesting and exciting conclusion to the game between Castle Eden and Bill Quay. Faced with a target of 187, Bill Quay were 175-9 when time was called.

Jeff Tudor (63) and Kevin Willey (37) raised their hopes with a second-wicket stand and near the end, Ian Gutteridge contributed a valuable 23 but last pair Willie Gardner and Andrew Trotter saw out time.

Gerard Magee featured prominently in the Castle Eden innings, batting from start to finish for an undefeated 107 out of his side's total of 186-5.