Peterlee closed in on leaders Murton when they beat title rivals Hylton by five wickets - but it was an extremely close call.

Faced with a target of 172, they won from the penultimate ball as David Cross carried his bat for 35. Stuart Wilson (63) and Keith Hewson (47) earlier set the scene for Peterlee's challenge.

David Rooney (35) was the best Hylton could produce but seven other players made double figures and a total of 171-9 was realised from the 50 overs.

Murton could only draw at Dawdon, who were comfortably placed on 135-3 when time was called. Andrew Stephenson batted throughout for an undefeated 59, hitting seven fours and despite using six bowlers in the attack, the leaders failed to cause problems.

When Murton made first use of the wicket, professional Calvin Stephenson led his side to 170 all out scoring 60 (nine boundaries) and for Dawdon, Stephen Gale claimed three wickets for just 16 runs and Keith Laws did even better with figures of 4-15.

Captain Marc Hopkinson was in attacking form for Ryhope but his side still lost by seven wickets to Bill Quay. He recorded a couple of sixes and 14 fours in 87 from 135 balls and Chris Errington had eight fours, scoring 47 from 54 deliveries.

A total of 182 was achieved with Smith and Brown each taking five wickets for Bill Quay, who won mainly as a result of the efforts of Jeff Tudor who added 82.

Jason Jones and his father David laid the foundations for Boldon CA's total of 247-3 at Houghton. Jason batted throughout for an unbeaten 111, David contributed 30, and Lee Jackson later added 70.

Houghton, though, were defiant in their reply. Ian Hauxwell's half century and 70 by Cowey took the total to a respectable 154-4 at stumps.

Silksworth had almost 100 runs to spare at Seaham Park. Graeme Weeks went in at number three and was still there at the end with 68 not out, having partnered Phil Smailes who was also unbeaten with 76 as a total of 201-3 was realised.

Seaham's innings never gained momentum and stuttered to 109 all out as skipper Chris Pringle took 4-42 and Weeks 3-11.

Easington and Castle Eden drew. David Kennedy's half century and a late undefeated 45 from Brian Fenwick enabled the visitors to finish on 200-7 with John Hart returning 4-67.

Gerard Magee gave the Castle Eden response a good start with 44 but at 138-6, Easington's total was never seriously challenged.