The leadership changed hands again with Burnmoor taking over top spot. They are now the only undefeated side in the league with Eppleton's 75-run success over Hetton Lyons assisting Burnmoor's elevation.

The Moors took every possible opportunity to exploit the conditions against Felling. After winning a crucial spin of the coin, Burnmoor's wicket-taking began with their third delivery and Martin Thursfield and Ian Conn never looked back.

They benefited from great fielding with all ten wickets coming from catches. The two Burnmoor bowlers picked up five wickets apiece with the only batting threat coming from Graham Wright.

Chasing a meagre 52 posed few problems and the new leaders required just 51 minutes and 15.2 overs to complete their task with captain John Tindale ending unbeaten as his side won by eight wickets.

It was the hard-hitting Neil McKinney (86 not out), who played the lead in taking Eppleton to 203 before a declaration. The loss of early wickets did not deter McKinney who found able support from his skipper Lee Welsh (37 not out).

Hetton Lyons then produced a far from convincing reply as Matthew Jane (3-37) and Elliott Alexander (4-18) saw them to victory.

South Shields came off second best but still moved up a place after the draw with fellow strugglers Marsden. The pattern of the season continued for both sides as they struggled for runs.

Marsden, after losing their first three wickets for eight runs, began their recovery with a fourth-wicket partnership of 79. Former Shields players Owen Peterson (42) and John Dunn (52) instigated the revival after Matthew Muchall's (4-52) early burst. In the end, Marsden totalled 155 and Shields had every opportunity to advance to victory.

However, their batting disintegrated at an alarming rate. Jeff Marshall remained to help his side recover from 36 for five wickets.

In the end, it was Marshall's brothers Greg and Anthony who denied Marsden victory as the last pair survived 34 balls together.

Horden returned to winning ways after a lull. Professional Nadeem Khan found the damp track to his liking and his 16 overs returned 5-39 as Seaham Harbour found his accuracy a hindrance.

Chasing 130 for victory, Horden were indebted to Adrian Hedley (41) initially before a collapse provided Seaham with a chance. However, Tony Murphy and Ian Blevins stayed together to produce the vital runs for Horden's first win since the opening game.

Boldon required just 27 overs to skittle out Durham City. The left-arm pace of Gareth Smith (6-25) and Gary Gilder (4-21) proved almost unplayable as the Boldon pair ripped through the batting. In the end 55 was reached.

In contrast, Neil Burnett (30 not out) and Geoff Houmark (24 not out) lost little time in ensuring Boldon's emphatic victory.

South Hetton's challenge for top place was put on hold when their game at Whitburn was postponed.