Leaders Bishop Auckland stole a march on their rivals when they won the only game to be completed yesterday's.

They needed a herculean effort before overcoming Guisborough, however, when their innings was reduced from 50 to 20 overs because of rain.

In the event, they required just 17.4 overs to score 185-5 as Phil Timmens hit a quick-fire 86 and Keith Stones (29) and Stuart Morgan (31) maintained the impetus.

Guisborough's innings went ahead uninterrupted and in 50 overs they compiled 184-3 with Richard Dove carrying his bat for 68 after Colin Welch had opened with 42.

Only one other game started but the weather soon caused the abandonment at Great Ayton where Barnard Castle were 52 without loss from 19 overs.

Bishop Auckland extended their lead at the top of the table with another comprehensive victory on Saturday while nearest rivals Great Ayton were held to a draw.

But there was no stopping Bishops at Bedale where they bowled out the home side for only 127 as Stuart Morgan claimed five wickets for a meagre 22 runs in 19.3 overs.

Phil Staves made a late 43 for Bedale but his effort was overshadowed by Darren Blenkiron, whose 71 included a couple of sixes and 11 boundaries as Bishops hurried home losing one wicket in 20.4 overs.

Great Ayton piled up 231-6 in 50 overs at Billingham Synthonia. Neil Pearson (44), Dave Grainge (32), Steve Pennock (77) and John Doyle junior (41) scored freely but Ayton were unable to bowl out the Synners.

At stumps the home side were comfortably placed on 168-5 which included 46 by Dave Fairley. Glen Mudd, introduced as third-change into the Ayton attack, picked up three wickets for 16 runs in six overs.

Seaton Carew had 65 runs to spare visiting Stokesley where Richard Clayton struck one six and 18 fours in 110, enabling his side to declare on 217-3. The move paid dividends as Stokesley were sent back for 142 of which opener David Weighell contributed 77.

In contrast, runs were scarce at Marton where Barnard Castle were dismissed for 91 by the joint efforts of Dan Conway and Dean Kirby, who both claimed four wickets, setting up Marton's six-wicket victory.

When Chris Dent and Paul Raine each took five wickets, bowling unchanged for a total of 49.1 overs, Redcar were reduced to 107 all out at Feethams. Darlington had no difficulty reaching the modest target as Simon Gough struck eight boundaries in 35 and Lee Hutton carried his bat for 53, including 11 fours.

The Acklam Park wicket suited Middlesbrough's Guy Whatmore (67) and his opening partner Max Cook (76) in particular. They laid the foundations for a total of 244-8 and replying, Guisborough were 133-6 when time was called.

Rob Walker and Peter Briggs both bowled 15 overs and each claimed four wickets as Marske beat Yarm by 52 runs.