Bottom of the table Houghton gave a battling performance in holding leaders Murton to a draw at the end of a high-scoring match.

Murton were firm favourites to extend their winning sequence but when Ian Hauxwell opened the visitors' innings and scored 112, the home side were left needing 213 runs for victory. Richard Lowes sent them on their way with 69 and Ian King contributed 37 but when time was called, Murton were nine runs short of victory with two wickets remaining. Kenny Marriott and Paul Elliott shared seven wickets for Houghton.

Hylton moved into second place with a four-wickets win at home to Seaham Park. Gary Jobes, with 63 and Amer Akhtar (33) raised the hopes of Seaham leading their team to 146 even though Keith Trotter claimed four wickets for just 33 runs. Hylton lost a couple of early wickets but Sean Robinson and John Carney both made 37 to push their side to victory.

Peterlee lost ground when they could only draw with Castle Eden, who were within one wicket of victory. John Spellman junior made a good 67 not out and Allan Unsworth added 47 taking Castle Eden to 209-4. Keith Hewson (46) and Min Mahil (67) gave Peterlee the best possible send-off but following their dismissals, wickets tumbled to Unsworth (5-67) and at stumps, the home side had their backs to the wall with only 147-9 on the board.

Boldon CA gave their best performance of the season and richly deserved their 143-runs success at home to Ryhope. The declaration came following just 42 overs after Boldon had romped to 220-8 mainly through the efforts of man-of-the-match George Lincoln, who was undefeated on 85.

Lincoln then starred with the ball, taking four wickets for three runs in seven overs which, together with a 5-33 haul from Gary Critchley, had Ryhope back in the pavilion for just 77 runs, following 23 overs.

Silksworth returned to winning form easily accounting for Dawdon, who were all out for just 84. Chris Pringle, Steve Wright and Graeme Weeks shared the ten wickets after Weeks had top-scored with an excellent 96 in the Silksworth total of 167. Ian White bowled well for Dawdon, claiming 5-71 and Keith Laws (3-36).

A century by Steve Hanson failed to earn Easington victory in their home game with Bill Quay. John Robson and John Bainbridge (32 not out) assisted when a total of 228-6 was posted but Bill Quay held on and at stumps were 167-9. Jeff Tudor (66) and Phillips (32) starred.