Saltburn eased 19 points clear at the top of the Premier Division after a comfortable eight-wicket win at nearest rivals Redcar.

The home side were bundled out for only 113, with Mark Higgs (27), Mark Cosgrove (26) and Geoff Bowen (22) the main run scorers. For Saltburn, Pakistani professional Mauhtashim Rashid bowled 18.3 overs and took 5-39, while Adil Ditta claimed 3-43 in 15 overs.

The visitors lost two early wickets, but opener Tony Bell carried his bat for 51 and John Bond was unbeaten on 27 to see them safely home.

Guisborough moved into second place, although they came close to defeat at Marske. The home side totalled 200-4, with Stewart Hutton making 49, Tim Hood 84 and Ricky Clayton 45.

The visitors got off to a good start in reply, with openers Saul Clifford (31) and Graham Shaw (36) wasting no time. Phil Ramage followed with 41, but Guisborough had to hang on for the draw at 178-9 with John May 23 not out. Stuart McKay took 4-50 in 20 overs for Marske.

At Feethams, Richmondshire recorded only their third win of the season with an eight-wicket success against Darlington. The home side were given a good start by openers Mark Stainsby (58) and John Glendenen (48) with a stand of 86, but no other batsman reached double figures and they were all out for 142. Umer Rashid took 5-42 for the visitors.

Richmondshire reached their target in 39.4 overs, with skipper Andy Mollett hitting 67 and Mark Layfield remaining unbeaten with 46.

Northallerton picked up their fifth win of the season, away to Middlesbrough. The home side put 186-7 on the board, with Henderson Bryan making 47 and skipper Danny Evans 42. Jonathan Barnes bowled unchanged to take 4-83.

The visitors reached the required total for the loss of seven wickets, mainly due to a barnstorming innings of 81 by man of the match Barnes, who went in at number five. Bryan took 4-60 for Middlesbrough.

There was a nail-biting finish at Brinkburn Road, where Darlington RA lost to visiting Normanby Hall. The home side made 195-7, mainly thanks to an impressive 112 from Robert Chismon.

The visitors scored the winning runs off the last ball of the match with their last pair at the wicket. Neil Russell smashed ten boundaries in his 93, while Paul Thomas took 6-68.

Hartlepool continued their winning ways away to Blackhall. The home side were bowled out for 137 as Ian Palmer and Aaley Haider both took four wickets. The visitors lost only three wickets in reaching their target as opener Andy Holland made 48 and Haider smashed 43 not out, including four fours and two sixes.

Thornaby took 15 points from their drawn game at Bishop Auckland after scoring 201-9. Phil Gallacher made 74, while Steve Chapman took 4-51 for the home team, who replied with 175-8.

l Division One report, p29.