Blaydon cannot wait for the return of their West Indian professional Nehemiah Perry, who has been badly missed in the first two games.

After losing heavily to Chester-le-Street on the opening day, the Tynesiders crashed to 76 all out against Gateshead Fell who have now won twice after failing to record a single victory last year.

Blaydon must have been over the moon at claiming the wicket of Marcus North for just 26 and were relatively pleased at restricting their opponents to 180 all out in 64 overs. Ian Pattison was the thorn in their side as he struck 60.

Andrew Robson again bowled a good end for Blaydon, conceding just 39 runs in 18.4 overs during which he claimed four wickets.

Blaydon's reply, however, was uninspiring to say the least and three wickets apiece by Steve Lugsden and Pattison saw them back in the pavilion after 36 overs.

The Chester-le-Street bandwagon continues where it left off last season.

Their latest victims were Stockton, who were all out for only 166 as the Cestrians effectively used a varied six-man attack.

Despite claiming the early wicket of Shaun Birbeck, Stockton had little else to celebrate as Allan Worthy (70) and Ashley Thorpe with 66 not out, laid thefoundations of the innings.

After recording 231 for eight, Norton's game with Newcastle was delicately poised at stumps. The Tynesiders were 21 runs short at 211-9, saved from defeat by a half century from Jim Mathewson.

Tim McDonald bowled an effective line in the Norton attack claiming six wickets for just 34 runs.

When the home side made first use of the wicket, they found Neil Wake (3-46) and Mark Turnbull (3-35) in good form but a half century from Jonathan Kean and 40 plus scores by McDonald and Matthew Brown almost secured a first win.

Sunderland had no problem seeing off Philadelphia whose disappointing batting performance saw them all out for only 110. Franklyn Rose, Adam Applegarth and Pattison shared the wickets and only Jim Allenby with 40 troubled the attack.

Although Gavin Swan impressed, Sunderland were not troubled and Lee Rushworth's unbeaten 49 earned them a most comfortable victory.

Tynemouth's batsmen gave an improved performance in holding Durham Academy to a draw at the Riverside. Professional Amol Mazumdar celebrated his debut scoring 35; Carl Spratt carried his bat for a similar score; and Barry Stewart contributed 50 to a total of 180-7.

Gary Scott, Stuart Walker, Paul Cummins and David Barnes all passed 30 as the Academy reached 232 losing only six wickets.

South Northumberland had 50 runs to spare over their neighbours Benwell Hill, who made only 151. Dewald Pretorus and Chris Hewison each took three wickets.

Simon Birtwisle scored almost half the Hill total, contributing 76. When South Northumberland batted first, they made their way to 201 with John Graham topscoring with 52. Other helpful additions were boosted by extras, which was the next highest contribution at 38