THERE was double trouble for Darlington RA in yesterday's Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League Premier Division game against Guisborough.

Not only were they dismissed for a mere 52 runs, but Ashar Zaidi suffered an injury which meant he batted at No 8 and RA anxiously await a report on his fitness.

Chris Murray demolished the home side as he returned the magnificent figures of 6-23 after top-scoring with an unbeaten 44 in the Guisborough total of 188 for six.

His brother Graeme opened the innings and added 35 to a strong partnership with Chris Allinson.

Darlington's batsmen didn't fare too well at Bishop Auckland where they were sent back for 116. Chris Sawyer (4-39) did most damage after the home side posted 201 for nine, including 65 by openers Darren Blenkiron and 77 from Amol Maxumdar.

Great Ayton's professional Riaz Afridi was again among the wickets leading his side to a big win over Normanby Hall.

His 5-51 return had the visitors back in the pavilion for 127. Stephen Pennock (70) and Darren Hickey (84) had earlier led Ayton to 236 for eight.

Hartlepool had three wickets to spare against Middlesbrough at Acklam Park.

Alex Roberts and Darren Birkett, who both opened with half centuries, set the scene for a big Boro total but the innings closed on 180 as Michael Gough and Thara Gunarathne shared the wickets.

An opening 81 by Johnson laid the foundations for a Pool victory despite Roberts (4-71) also starring with the ball.

Clive Layfield led Richmondshire to a five-wicket success at home to Marske whose total of 189 for eight looked vulnerable. Shanoka Disssanayake (6-63) and 37 runs also played an important role for Richmond.

Liam Botham returned for Northallerton, scoring 37 and taking four wickets, but could not secure victory at Marton who were indebted to an unbroken seven-wicket stand between Simpson (42 not out) and Jack Conway as the game ended in a draw.

A huge second-wicket partnership of 197 between Chris Trillo (70 not out) and Ryan Murray, whose 107 included three sixes and six boundaries, swept Guisborough to a seven-wicket win over Middlesbrough at Fountains Garth in Division One.

Mark Lane, with an unbeaten half century, top-performed in a nine-wicket victory for Normanby Hall at home to Darlington RA, while Darlington performed better than their seniors in defeating Barnard Castle by two wickets. John Stock claimed five wickets in restricting the visitors to 143 but Darlington had their work cut out before edging to victory.