Peterlee are top dogs for the first time since they joined the League. They saw off neighbours Easington and at the same time Murton suffered their first defeat of the season, going down to Silksworth.

The Hewson brothers - and Keith in particular - were the architects of Peterlee's morale-boosting victory at Easington, where they had six wickets to spare chasing a target of 146.

Keith Hewson carried his bat for 78 and when four of his colleagues could only manage six runs between them, he at last found a partner in David Cross. The pair shared an unbroken century partnership for the fifth wicket as Cross finished unbeaten on 56.

Earlier, Easington posted 145 all out with 30 plus scores from John Bainbridge, Stephen Briggs and Brian Fenwick but it was Keith Hewson who stole the show, claiming six wickets for just 38 runs. He was ably assisted by his brother Neil, whose three wickets cost him only 26 runs.

Murton conceded their unbeaten record when they were sent back with just 67 runs on the board by Silksworth, who kept alive their title aspirations. Stephen Wright, with six wickets for 43 runs and captain Chris Pringle, with 3-10, were responsible for Murton's demise.

Michael Kearney and Graeme Weeks, who remained unbeaten with 37, then completed the task to topple Murton from pole position.

Joe Bittlestone was just one run short of a century leading Hylton to a crucial win at Houghton. A total of 197-5 was achieved despite the home side utilising six bowlers in their attack, the most successful being Kenny Marriott with figures of 3-44.

When four Houghton batsmen contributed just 11 runs, Marriott came to the rescue partnering Ian Hauxwell in a fifth wicket stand which threatened the visitors but Alan Rackstraw took the wickets of both batsmen and the innings stuttered to 148 all out. Hauxwell made 67 and Marriott 35 and Owen Williamson also bowled well in capturing 3-16.

Seaham Park are no longer pushovers and they rose to the challenge of scoring 174 runs in their home game with Ryhope. Graeme Jobes led the way with 87 to secure victory.

Castle Eden collapsed to just 60 all out in their home game with Boldon CA, for whom George Lincoln captured five wickets for a meagre 11 runs.

There was more stability in the Boldon innings which realised 159 all out.

Michael Strange, with 56 and John Chamberlain (37 not out) were instrumental in Bill Quay overtaking the Dawdon target with three wickets intact.

Batting first, Dawdon again had Bobby Stephenson in form and his innings of 41 was a vital contribution as Colin Smith and Andrew Trotter each claimed four wickets for Bill Quay.