Norton, written off in some quarters before the start of the season, are fourth top and one of only three sides still unbeaten.

Despite the efforts of the Symington brothers, who made the move up the A19 during the close season, Norton had plenty to spare defeating Sunderland at Ashbrooke.

It was Gary Park who stole the show for the second successive week, racking up his second century of the campaign.

Norton lost an early wicket which brought Park into the middle and although his colleagues struggled, he dominated the innings contributing 119 to a total of 183 all out.

Marc Symington took four of the wickets for 33 runs and Chris Rushworth had 3-28 before Park went to work with the ball.

He claimed four for 21 and with Jonathan Keen picking up three wickets for 34 runs, Sunderland collapsed to 99 all out.

Stockton are second bottom after losing by 39 runs at Blaydon. Captain Mark Drake (51) and Geoff Stewart (48) steered the home side to 172 for eight, but the modest total proved more than sufficient.

Chris Simpson and Stephen Gale shared seven wickets and Stockton struggled to 133 all out. They and bottom-of-the-table Hetton Lyons are the only sides yet to taste success.

The Lyons arrested a losing sequence when they played on their own ground for the first time this season.

Their task against in-form Benwell Hill was not an easy one but there was little between the sides at close of play. Welch, Simon Birtwisle and Graeme Race all passed 30 but the Hill only managed 165 with Sean Birbeck taking four wickets.

Replying, the Lyons were pleased to have Stuart Walker in form and he held the innings together. At stumps a total of 135 for eight was on the board.

Tynemouth continue to lead the table and their latest success came at the expense of Durham Academy who failed to make it into three figures.

David Barrick returned 4-21 in 11.1 overs and Barry Stewart had figures of 4-29 from the nine overs he delivered.

Runs came more freely when Tynemouth enjoyed first innings. Graeme Hallam (47), Paul Muchall (44) and Stewart (36) hoisted the total to a respectable 204-7 in 60 overs.

Following successive defeats, South Northumberland have now won three games on the bounce. Skipper John Graham hit a century and Chris Hewison added 83 to the formidable total of 250-5 against Gateshead Fell at Gosforth.

Despite yet another impressive performance by Martin Bekker, who followed up his four wicket haul in scoring 88, the Fell were all out for 142.

Stephen Humble took the man of the match honours with the magnificent figures of 8-55. He failed though to take the wicket of Bekker, who fell to spinner Richard Brock.

Chester-le-Street are third following a big win over Newcastle.

The varied Cestrian attack bowled out their opponents for 139 after realising 240 for the loss of four wickets batting first.

Daniel Shurben struck a fine 118 and Tim Stonoch, a former Newcastle player, took 58 off his former colleagues