Saltburn show no signs of weakening in their quest to wrestle the championship from four-times winners Guisborough, who remain second but with a mountain to climb if they are to create a new record.

The Seasiders completed an early double over Great Ayton, whom they defeated in the final of the Kerridge Cup last week. They were equally effective in securing an eight-wicket victory on Saturday.

There was limited resistance from Thara Gunarathne (32) and Colin Murray with 40 but Ayton's total of 139 always looked vulnerable.

Singh took six of the wickets for 56 runs in 21.5 overs before Phil Ramage with 62 and Tony Bell (32 not out) dominated an eight-man Ayton attack.

Guisborough remain 49 points off the top with a game in hand on the leaders. They retained their title hopes winning by 14 runs against Normanby Hall at Fountains Garth.

Graeme Murray set the scene with an opening contribution of 70 and a helpful 37 from Saul Clifford took the total to a useful if unspectacular 172 for seven.

David Towse and Paul Goodchild made early inroads into the Hall's reply but Stephen McNicholas and Robinson threatened when they both made half centuries.

David Cross finished unbeaten on 35, but when Towse ended with five wickets for just 30 runs and Imran Jan three for 27, the Hall were all out for 158.

Billingham Synthonia remain bottom but are just six points from safety.

Their game with Darlington was at an interesting stage when time was called.

Runs were at a premium throughout and Darlington had lost seven wickets for just 99 runs in 47 overs.

Martin Cull bowled unchanged for 23 overs claiming five of the wickets for just 40 runs.

Paul Raine, Steve Chapman and John Alderson all took three wickets when Synners laboured through 48 overs totalling only 124.

Richmondshire are second from the basement after losing by three wickets to Middlesbrough.

Runs were more plentiful in this fixture and Richmond were in with a chance after realising 181 for eight.

Clive Layfield (31) and his nephew Christopher with a top-scoring 43 were both in form as was Andy Fleming (39).

Middlesbrough were given a good start by Darren Birkett with 40 and Alex Roberts (45) before Colin Haslett maintained the impetus with 41.

Northallerton are also involved in the relegation battle after they narrowly lost to Hartlepool.

John Wilkinson (44) and Peter Jackson with 31 top-performed in Pool's innings which produced 178 all out. Jason Sample conceded just 39 runs claiming five wickets and Jonathan Barnes took three.

Doug Mulholland raised the hopes of Northallerton with 65.

However, they soon evaporated as Ashley Day and Richie Evans shared eight wickets and Northallerton were all out for just 173.

Rain caused the abandonment of the game at Kingsway where Bishop Auckland needed 68 runs with eight wickets remaining. Amul Mazumdar was still there unbeaten on 64.

John Wilshire struck a half century and Gary Lynch 30 when Marske realised 168. Phil Timmens and Matthew Brown shared eight wickets.

Redcar were 157 for seven from 47 overs at Darlington RA.

Martin Hood struck seven boundaries out of 54 and his opening partner Neil Russell added 32 but following their dismissals, Stuart Morgan proved effective in the RA attack taking five for 52 in 14 overs.

RA were all out in 48.1 overs for 178. Phil Crowther struck a six and nine fours in 63.

But it was the late introduction of Mick McCabe into the Redcar attack who caused problems.

His 11.1 overs earned him the outstanding figures of five for 23.