Durham Coast League: hampions Murton won for the first time in three attempts defeating Seaham Park by four wickets.

Difficult conditions did not make for easy batting and Seaham ended with only 117 on top despite five players reaching double figures. Not one though passed the 20 mark as Keith Chapman, Calvin Stephenson, Shaun Smith and Jonathan Seed shared the wickets.

Murton made a poor start to their reply. The first five batsmen scored just 45 runs between them and alarm bells were ringing before Ian King, Phil Grimwood and Seed stemmed the tide.

King became matchwinner carrying his bat for 39 and in a low-scoring game, Seed's undefeated 17 was also a crucial contribution.

It was Michael Evans who almost pulled the game out of the fire for the Park. He took five of the six wickets to fall for just 44 runs but still finished on the losing team.

Silksworth sent Houghton back to the pavilion for just 49 runs and had more than 100 to spare. Stephen Hanson claimed five wickets for only 26 runs in 15 overs, including six maidens and Chris Pringle took four wickets for as many runs from the 6.1 overs which he delivered.

Runs were more plentiful when Silksworth took first innings. Their total of 133-3 was accumulated from 36 overs as Michael Kearney struck six fours in 63 and Philip Smailes added 50 with a couple of sixes and five boundaries.

Bill Quay, who have made a splendid start to the season, reached 189-7 in 44 overs and Easington were 39 for the loss of just one wicket after 23 overs when rain stopped play. Skipper Jeff Tudor opened the Quay innings making 34 and quickly found a partner in David Hunt who recorded one six and five boundaries out of 57.

Alan Rackstraw then regained the initiative for the home side and his undefeated 48 produced a defendable total. Michael Massey was the most successful bowler in the Easington attack with figures of 3-32 from seven overs.

Jason Robson was undefeated on 22 in partnership with David Kennedy when a halt had to be called. Quay's new professional Chris Pleasants, who took seven wickets in each of the first two games, claimed the only one to fall.

No play was possible between Dawdon and Boldon CA and at Ryhope where Castle Eden were due to visit.