ASKED to bat first, Marske found the conditions at Kingsway difficult against a young Bishop Auckland attack.

Jonathon Wiltshire worked hard for his 40 and Jonathon Nicholls scored a valuable 26 not out in the Seasiders' total of 144 for nine.

Bishop Auckland professional Steve Chapman was the pick of the home bowlers with four for 35 off 17 overs. Marske made an early breakthrough with Tim Hood bowling Andy Bowman.

With the pitch easing Aiden Tait (38) and Steve Chapman took advantage of a dispirited Marske side and won by seven wickets with 15 overs remaining.

Bishops won by 7 wkts, Bishops 20 pts, Marske 3 pts. Marske 144 for 9 (J Wiltshire 40, J Nicholls 26no, S Chapman 4-55, S Ayre 3-66); Bishop Auckland 146 for 3 (S Chapman 44no, J T Russell 29, S Hutton 1-8, S Mackay 1-28).

Marske's first XI entertain Darlington RA at home tomorrow. The club's NYSD division one side play Great Ayton away.