Norton produced one of the shock results of the season when they sent reigning champions Chester-le-Street to an unexpected three-wicket defeat at Ropery Lane.

The visitors, who went into the match in bottom position having won only once, were the underdogs and even more so at the halfway stage after the Cestrians declared with 244-5 on the board.

Chris Fawcett and captain Kenny Gresham departed early but Durham County's James Brinkley became the matchwinner.

He went in at number three and was still there at the end, unbeaten on 113.

Shaun Birbeck (32) and Quentin Hughes (80) put together a productive partnership for the Cestrians' second wicket before another Durham player, Ashley Thorpe, carried his bat for 70 as the runs flowed.

Norton were not the only side to cause an upset. Tynemouth started the day second from bottom but they toppled championship challengers South Northumberland by 11 runs.

Indian Adol Mazumbar (41) and Tony Lion (51) laid the foundations for the Seasiders' total of 184 with Dewalt Pretorus taking 3-30 and Craig MacKellar 4-42.

South North were firm favourites to continue their title challenge and 45 by Martin Speight and 32 from Pretorus put them in sight of the target but John Callaghan and Russell Perry each took three wickets to bowl out the normally free-scoring home side for 173.

Graham Hoban scored his maiden century in the league as Philadelphia saw off Stockton by 77 runs. Freddie Napier (68) and Jim Allenby, with an unbeaten 64, kept the scoreboard moving to 271-3 before the declaration came, following 63 overs.

A blow to Stockton came when Chris Mann was run out for 45.

He had put together a promising partnership with Ben Lee (40) for the third wicket and although Richard Waite added 30, Phili had six overs to spare when they claimed the last wicket with 194 on top.

Australian Gavin Swan produced his best figures of the season, taking 5-55 and increasing his total at the halfway stage to 24.

Benwell Hill strengthened their grip on the leadership with a five-wicket success at Gateshead Fell. Marcus North's 45 was the best the home side could produce as a total of only 140 was posted. David Rutherford (4-28) and Lee Crozier (3-37) proved too much for the Fell batsmen.

The Hill coasted home following an opening partnership between Simon Birtwisle with 58 and James Miller (45) and although they conceded five wickets, they were never seriously in danger.

Durham Academy won for only the second time, beating Newcastle by 52 runs.

David Barnes (87) and Paul Walker (43) set the scene before Stuart Walker with 30 and Gary Scott (47 not out) propelled the scoreboard to 240-4.

Despite Matthew Hynd opening with 37, and Scott Kay contributing 46, Newcastle never threatened and were all out for 188 with the wickets shared by five Academy bowlers.

Andrew Robson almost won the match for Blaydon at Sunderland.

His side was in deep trouble until he struck an unbeaten 55 batting at number ten, raising the score to 155.

Adam Applegarth claimed 5-38 and Franklin Rose 4-45 before the Sunderland batsman also found the going difficult. At stumps, they were only 131-8 with Robson taking 3-39 and Chris Simpson 4-64.