THERE was an exciting finale to Chester-le-Street's game against Sunderland at Ashbrooke in the Foster's North-East Premier League when only 14 runs and one wicket separated the pair.

Faced with a target of 212, the Cestrians ended on 211-9 as Ashley Thorpe played another outstanding innings which earned him 91 runs. Despite a late 31 by captain Tony Birbeck, Chester failed to force victory.

Sunderland stay top of the table and Blaydon are second after they gained 21 points from their home match against South Northumber-land.

Sacriston lost ground in the championship race when they went down by more than 100 runs at Ashington in the Foster's Nor-thumberland and Tyneside Senior League.

Faced with a target of 280, they ended on only 178-5 which included scores of 58 by Philip Shield, 48 from Lee Shaw and 45 by Stephen Peel. Tynedale are now firm favourites to clinch the championship after defeating Annfield Plain by five wickets.

Steve Lishman took 7-47 to restrict the Plain to 137-9 and an unbeaten half century by Philip Hearle saw Tynedale win.

Consett improved their chances of playing in the revamped first division next season when they defeated Benwell and Walbottle by eight wickets.

Wayne Greenwell claimed 6-47 in 21 overs and David Jackson hit a couple of sixes and eight boundaries in an unbeaten 70.

Crook Town closed in on leaders Leadgate when they managed to stage their 3-D Cricket Durham County League match with Mainsforth.

Despite losing a total of 87 minutes to the weather, Crook won by six wickets when they overtook Mainsforth's 107 all out in just 17.4 overs.

Shahid Anwar, who took 5-56 in 18 overs, went on to hit one six and six fours in 35 and Calvin Stephenson struck a quick 23no.

Leadgate, the only unbeaten side, suffered bad luck when their game at Esh Winning was washed out without a ball being bowled.

Ushaw Moor are third after they visited Willington and won by 68 runs. Balti Watt and David Storey shared seven wickets before Michael Hayton took two wickets for just one run, restricting Will-ington to 84-9.

Ushaw Moor's 152 included 30 by David Armstrong and 29no from David Punshon.

The remainder of the programme was badly hit by rain. Brandon declared at 151-6 after John Cavanagh had made 31 and Alan Walker 39 and Tudhoe were 126-4 of which Stuart Davis contributed 68.

Etherley were on 156-9 when the rain arrived in their game with Kimblesworth. Gary Cummings, 35, and Lee Gowland, 41, were the main scorers. Evenwood were 26-0 at home to Langley Park.

Annfield Plain Cricket Club Junior XI brought their season to an end with a defeat at Greenside and finished mid-table in the league. In the replayed League Cup semi-final, Plain 1st Xl lost to Ashington.

The U15s lost their game away to Blaydon, and on the same night the 1st XI game at home to Hetton Lyons was cancelled due to rain.

On Wednesday, the 3rd XI made progress in the Bob Langford Cup. They won at home to South Northumberland, setting up a home semi-final game against Tynemouth on August 17 at 5.30.

The 2nd XI brought the week to a close on an unhappy note: they lost away to Bill Quay in the Tim Johnson Cup.

Next week's fixtures at Enterprise Park are: August 5: Benwell and Walbottle, 1.30pm; August 6: Lanchester, 1.30pm; August 8: Shotley Bridge, 6pm.

From Monday, August 7, to Friday, August 11, Derwentside schools will be playing at Enterprise Park from 10.30am to 4.30pm each day. Please go along and support the youngsters