Billingham Synthonia have opened a useful lead at the top of the table following their narrow win at Marton.

Runs were always at a premium and the Synners managed just 141 as man-of-the-match Dean Kirby claimed five wickets for 44 runs in a useful 19.5 overs spell.

Kirby then finished unbeaten on 55, with seven boundaries, but failed to secure victory for Marton who were all out for 130. Keith Martin proved to be Billingham's matchwinner with 6-52 in 17.3 overs while Martin Cull gave support taking three wickets for 47 runs.

Barnard Castle are second even though they lost by four wickets to Seaton Carew. The home side posted 174 which included a half century by Michael Stanwix before Seaton took the points with contributions of 38 by Paul Gough and Elvidge (37 not out).

Guisborough had the better of Northallerton when Steve Donlon turned in a magnificent, career-best performance with the ball. His 18.2 overs, including nine maidens, produced the remarkable figures of nine wickets for a meagre 21 runs.

Northallerton were back in the pavilion after batting through 48 overs in making just 111 and Guisborough comfortably reached the modest target in 31 overs as Phil Latham recorded seven boundaries in an unbeaten 51.

Wolviston and Hartlepool shared the points. Michael Gough (32) and Geoff Peacock (48) scored the bulk of Wolviston's 156 all out. Hashim Ahmed sent down 17 overs for Pool returning the creditable figures of 5-49.

Responding, opener Stephen Horsley raised the hopes of the visitors with 31 and Chris Suttill and Jerry Boyd added useful contributions but at the completion of their 50 overs, Pool were 20 runs short of a winning margin with their ninth pair together.

Jeff Bluckert, 3-35 from 12 overs, and Kevin Beasley, whose 13 overs produced figures of 3-41, almost bowled Wolviston to victory.

The game between Middlesbrough and Darlington also finished even. Michael Cook top-scored with 68 in Boro's 204-9 and Darlington held on with 158-9 on the board mainly as a result of Lee Hutton, who had made 46 before being run out, and Whitewood (34).

Stokesley just edged Yarm by two wickets. Needing 140 they were indebted to John Stockham who carried his bat for 43. Michael Saunders (56) and Martin Illing (36) provided most of Yarm's 139 as Morton and David Weighell shared seven wickets.

After reaching 158-9 with Walker scoring 37 and John Morrison 35 not out, Marske went down by four wickets to Great Ayton for whom John Grainge (32) and Gary Mudd (57) proved to be the matchwinners