Although the sun shone for most of Saturday, rain during the previous four days decimated the programme.

Only one game went ahead in Division A and Eryholme defeated Witton-le-Wear by six wickets. When they batted first, the visitors totalled 130 with Bannister scoring 35, including four boundaries. The innings lasted 39.3 overs and once Noel Hollis was introduced into the attack, the Witton-le-Wear batsmen found the going difficult.

He sent down five overs and claimed five for a meagre 22 runs.

In reply, Eryholme were given a good send off by openers Thornton (23) and Chismon (25), before Colin Biglin struck a couple of sixes and two boundaries in 26. Michael White made an identical score with four fours.

Four games went ahead in Division B and Haughton strengthened their position at the top of the table defeating East Cowton by 48 runs.

When the visitors were required to score 137 for victory, they managed just 88 in 33.2 overs. Simon Harland, who went in at number three carried his bat for 45 and struck six boundaries. Dave Kean was in good form with the ball for Haughton and from ten overs returned three for 35. Gill, Colin Wilkinson and Edwards all picked up a couple of wickets.

When Haughton made first use of the wicket their 45 overs produced a total of 136 for seven. Colin Wilkinson top scored with 46, hitting a six and finding the boundary line on three occasions and Ian Vipond added 31. Andy Whitfield was the most productive bowler in the East Cowton attack and from a continuous spell of 23 overs he captured five of the seven wickets to fall for 72 runs. Tucker also bowled throughout at the other end and conceded just 60 runs from 22 overs.

Heighington had 22 runs in hand of visitors Middleton Tyas. Sowerby (48) and Riley (28) gave the Heighington innings a good start and later Jackson carried his bat for 20 as a total of 146 for six was realised. Wilkinson and Williams both took two wickets in the visitors attack.

Replying, Middleton Tyas lost an early wicket but opened Wilkinson (36) and Weaver (35) put together a promising partnership for the second wicket which gave the visitors a chance of victory.

When Overfield was introduced into the attack as second change, however, the innings stuttered to 124 all out as Overfield claimed five wickets for 26 runs.

Brompton on Swale were all out for just 54 in their home game with Lands. R Little took four for 26, M Little had three for five and Dalton captured the other three wickets at a cost of only 18 runs.

When they responded, Lands coasted to victory losing just three wickets and Tookey finished unbeaten on 23.

Cliffe fared even worse when they met Catterick Village and were all out for only 53. Galley returned four for 33 while Swainston claimed four wickets at the miserly cost of just 13 runs.

Catterick Village had little difficulty reaching their modest target losing just three wickets as Cliffe employed five bowlers in the attack.

Cec Leece Knock-out Cup Final

Sunday, August 11: Barton v Middleton St George (at Rockcliffe Park CC 2.30pm).

Rearranged from Sunday, August 4 due to the ground being waterlogged.

* Applications to join the League from 2003, Saturday or Sunday League, should be sent to Mr Peter Jackson, 14 Sudburn Avenue, Staindrop, Darlington, Co Durham, DL2 3JY before September 17.