Evenwood went to the top of the table with a ten-wicket blast at Brandon whose modest total of 125 quickly evaporated as the openers got to grips with the task.

Billy Teasdale, who shared six wickets with John Maughan, dominated at the crease ending unbeaten on 60.

Opening partner Ryan Nicholson made 31 before having to retire but the impetus was maintained by Neil Teasdale with an undefeated 21.

None of the first six Brandon batsmen managed double figures but Michael Tinkler (47 not out) gave respectability to the total.

Esh Winning also enjoyed a ten-wicket victory at the expense of Tudhoe who were sent back in 31 overs for a meagre 84. Paceman Paul Chivers took four for 26 in 10 overs and spinner Farouk Iqbal had five wickets for 12 runs, also in a ten-over spell which included five maidens.

John Carmedy then struck ten fours in an unbeaten 56 partnering David Lawlor in the opening stand and victory was achieved in fewer than 20 overs.

Langley Park were another side who failed to make it into three figures and Mainsforth emerged seven-wicket winners.

Gary Purcell returned four for 13 in five overs as Langley were all out for 90 which included 37 by Australian Henry Cusac.

Imran Jan then dominated Mainsforth's reply, hitting 50 of his 54 runs in boundaries, before being one of three batsmen to lose their wicket.

Kimblesworth's early championship challenge faltered at the hands of Ushaw Moor.

Imran Ullah was again in devastating form and was just two runs short of his century when he became one of Kevin Dixon's three victims.

Michael Hayton (35), Craig Usher (51) and Stephen Milburn (32 not out) helped to take the total to an impressive 274 for seven.

Kimblesworth made a bold challenge but they were all out for 254 as Scott Nattrass and Milburn both took three wickets.

Opener Brian Potts (83) and Aussie Shannon O'Hara (38) raised the hopes of the home side with a big partnership for the second wicket.

Crook Town were all out for 56 with only two players reaching double figures as Hylton's opening attack of Brian Conlin and Gary Rushworth tore through the innings.

Runs were more plentiful for the Wearsiders who ended on 150 including 49 by David Tate. Lee Formosa and Michael Fawcett both took three wickets in the Crook attack.

Etherley went down by four wickets to Shildon. Tweddle, with 57, scored more than half the Etherley total of 109 for nine before Wardener produced an unbeaten 48 for the visitors.

Craig Emanuel took all six wickets to fall at a cost of only 29 runs but his outstanding effort was insufficient for Etherley