South Shields stretched their lead at the top when they won their fifth successive game. Nearest rivals Burnmoor had to be content with a draw when they were unable to remove the last Boldon batsmen.

Burnmoor made all the running after hitting 211 against Boldon. John Tindale (66) top-scored and Chris Ellison hit a half century. In reply, Boldon ended on 114 for nine and the Moors were frustrated at the end of the contest.

South Hetton looked to be setting South Shields a demanding challenge at one stage of their innings. However, once Ashok Patel (33) lost his wicket, the South Hetton batting crumbled.

Change bowlers Matthew Muchall (4-31) and Alan Stevenson (3-13) destroyed the late batting as South Hetton sacrificed their last six wickets for 25 runs.

Shields then lost two early wickets but Lindsay Cullen (62 not out) and Lee Whalley (34) added 64 together at a vital time. Although Whalley was dismissed, Cullen (seven fours and two sixes) was there at the close.

A fine all-round display from Ashley Thorpe enabled Whitburn to return to winning ways.

His first contribution was with the ball when he cleaned out the early Marsden batsmen and ended with four for 37. John Dunn (3-27) played his part and Whitburn were left to chase a target of 138.

Thorpe's batting then destroyed the Marsden attack. The left-hander smashed 14 fours and five sixes in his unbeaten 99 off 56 balls to see his side home by eight wickets.

There was a second win in a row for Seaham Harbour and again Paras Dogra was the star performer. Against Durham City, Neville Gustard (4-22) shaded the bowling honours with Dogra collecting three for 36.

Chasing the City total of 125, Seaham's task was accomplished with ease. Dogra (11 boundaries and a six) ended unbeaten on 85 with Seaham Harbour winning by nine wickets.

Although Horden hit 200 at Felling they were unable to dismiss the home side.

Skipper Adrian Hedley, with a half century, led the way and the ever-reliable Chris Pleasants ended with five for 82.

Carl Watson then picked up five wickets for Horden but they lacked sufficient penetration to force victory.

Eppleton lost their second game when they were all out for 179 against Philadelphia with Jim Daley (79) top scoring.

Philadelphia's innings blossomed as Stephen Borthwick (11 fours and a six) hit an unbeaten 83. He was assisted by the hard-hitting Neil Mulvaney (70 not out) and Phili won by seven wickets.