Sacriston moved into second position and toppled Newcastle City from pole position when they emerged winners of a high-scoring game by just 12 runs.

Australian Mattie Milton batted throughout for an unbeaten 93 and Phil Shield contributed 80 to Sacriston's 243 for four.

The asking rate was almost five an over and Newcastle just failed, losing their last wicket for 231.

Swalwell are the new leaders after enjoying an easy eight-wickets victory over Benwell and Walbottle at Derwenthaugh. Their target was 168 and the Pattison brothers soon dominated the visiting attack,

Stuart with 49 and Ian, 31 helping them home.

Two sides promoted at the end of last season were in opposition and it was Greenside who came out on top by a margin of only eight runs against Lintz.

Rehan Rafique (78) led Annfield Plain's charge for runs against Tynedale. Graeme Carr, Andrew Donnelly and David Maughan all reached the 40 mark and a near 300 total was posted. The champions managed only 205 for seven - Stuart Gray added 79.

Leadgate had 39 runs in hand of Shotley Bridge. Paul Hutchinson and Ambati Rayudu both contributed half centuries to a total of 243 with Donald Brown returning six for 51 for the Bridge, who were pegged to 204 for six. Their top scorer was David Jackson with 76.

Ashington remain bottom after losing another high-scoring game by one wicket. Neil Wood was just three runs short of a century when the Colliers posted 237 for seven. Useful contributions down the order earned third-from-basement Ponteland only their second win despite Paul Rutherford claiming five wickets.