Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League Division: Guisborough, attempting to win the championship for a third successive season, are back in the driving seat.

Not only did they defeat rivals Saltburn but challengers Redcar went down to Bishop Auckland.

The deadly bowling of the ever-reliable David Towse who was admirably assisted by Chris Murray reduced the Seasiders to only 91 all out at Fountains Garth.

Towse captured five wickets for a mere 27 runs and Murray weighed in with 4-20 as Guisborough celebrated a handsome 93-runs victory.

Towse, who is professional and captain, also led the way with the bat despite an impressive performance from Mauhtashim Rashid.

Towse though defied Rashid long enough to make a crucial 46 and Johnny May added 36 to the total of 184 before the pair both became victims of the Saltburn bowler, who ended with seven wickets at a cost of just 47 runs.

Bishop Auckland have put together a useful side and there are observers who consider they can go all the way.

Certainly, a 40-run win over title-contenders Redcar will have boosted their confidence.

Richard Hawthorn (60) and Amul Mazundar, who remained unbeaten on 81, formed a productive partnership for the second wicket which was the basis for a total of 216-5.

Although Dulip Samaraweera opened Redcar's reply making 72, the home side were eventually bowled out for 176 as Phil Timmens claimed three wickets and Sawyer returned a very creditable 6-50.

Clive and Mark Layfield produced most of the runs in Richmondshire's big win at Northallerton.

Clive made 59 and Mark 82 leading their side to a healthy 203-6 with Jonathan Barnes and Doug Mulholland sharing six wickets.

Although Ian Place carried his bat for 38, Northallerton never threatened in the face of penetrating bowling from Shanoka Dissanayake who impressed, capturing seven wickets for just 33 runs.

Normanby Hall's batsmen also found the going difficult in their home game with Hartlepool.

Man-of-the-match Steve Chapman took four wickets for a mere 16 runs and Ian Palmer had 3-17 reducing the Hall to only 85 all out.

When Pool made first use of the wicket, Chapman held the innings together with 65 and Kevin Peake added 36 to a total of 162.

Mohamed Zahid was again among the wickets claiming six for just 49 runs.

Johnny Nichols took a hat-trick in figures of 3-31 and his brother Chris returned 4-59 in 19 overs but Thornaby still lost by one wicket to Marske.

Faced with a target of 181, the Seasiders just edged home mainly through the efforts of Tim Hood and Richard Reynard who both made 33.

When they batted first, Thornaby were all out for 180. Ian Still (35) and John Steel with 55 put together an opening stand of 60 before Hrishikesh Kanitkar made 43 from 59 deliveries reaching the boundary on eight occasions.

From 120-1, Thornaby slumped to 180 all out with Stuart Mackay taking 4-42 in 20 overs for Marske.

Darlington had to battle for a draw in their game with Middlesbrough at Feethams. Gary Moody's 71 was crucial to the total of 152-9 after Boro had passed the 200 mark losing seven wickets. Colin Haslett (41) and Mark Foster with 70 were the principal run-makers and for Darlington, Kevin Mott's 3-52 was the best of the bowling.

Darlington RA's recent impressive form came to an end at Blackhall where they were beaten by more than 100 runs. Imran Jan (56) and John Darby (42) laid the foundations for the Colliers' big total of 240-4 which included an unbeaten 74 by Tony Booth and 57 from Ben Usher.

RA's reply never gained momemtum following the loss of early wickets. Gerard Hull (36) temporarily stemmed the tide but Jan, with four wickets for 43 runs and Steve Hanson (3-40) domimated the innings.