Bishop Auckland made light of their task against Middlesbrough at Kingsway and continue to lead the table.

They sent their visitors back to the pavilion for only 62 runs in 28.1 overs as a three-man attack dominated. Chris Sawyer was in sparkling form, claiming five wickets for just 29 runs in 12 overs, Phil Timmens gave support with 3-27 from 14.1 overs and Stuart Morgan picked up a couple of wickets.

Bishops batted half the time Boro had occupied the crease, romping home in just 14.1 overs without conceding a wicket.

Great Ayton are second but they could only draw with Bedale in a game which produced 525 runs and an exciting finale. Bedale faced the formidable target of 269 but almost succeeded when Guy Darwin became the second century-maker of the match. He had 16 boundaries in 107 and 57 from Mark Ellis propelled the visitors to 257-9 at stumps. Batting first, Ayton ended on 268-6 with Stephen Pennock making an unbeaten 118.

Third-top Seaton Carew were held to a draw at Redcar, who batting first made 218-9 from their 50 overs. Mally Whitehead struck nine fours in 69 and Martin Reeves contributed 43. For Seaton, David Alsop bowled a lengthy 23 overs returning 4-83 and Kevin Rowntree claimed 3-58 in his 15-overs spell.

Ricky Clayton opened Seaton's reply scoring 60 but the visitors were 163-7 close of play.

Mark Smith recorded no fewer than 21 boundaries in 100 which, together with 34 by David Weighell and 36 from Chris Knock, took Stokesley to 207-5 in their home game with Darlington, for whom Chris Dent bowled an economical 20 overs, taking 4-53. Lee Hutton (74) and Keith Barker (56) laid the foundations for Darlington's 240-8.

Guisborough and Marske produced an excellent game which the visitors won by four wickets. They were faced with a target of 257 and celebrated when Chris Gibbon opened with 72 in a Guisborough total of 256-7.

Michael Stanwix (88) and Peter Clark, with 44 not out, took Barnard Castle to within one run of 200 before Billingham Synthonia replied with 163-5.

Marton reached 197-8 with Dean Kirby and Brown scoring half centuries and replying, Yarm were 161-7.