Marton were the happier side when their top of the table clash with Thornaby ended in a draw. They took four points more than their opponents and are now six points off the top with a game in hand.

Mark Foster struck a century leading Marton to the impressive total of 244 for nine despite Umar Rashid taking six for 56 runs.

Rashid then top scored with 41 but at stumps, Thornaby were only 176 for six and the destination of the championship is now in Marton's hands.

Blackhall's lingering title hopes receded when they lost by eight wickets at Barnard Castle.

The Stanwix brothers were the match-winners, adding 97 in partnership as both contributed half-centuries to a total of 157 for two after Richard Eastwood had taken five for 28 runs in 9.5 overs.

At one stage, Blackhall were 46 for four but recovered with a fifth-wicket partnership between John Darby (48) and Jack Ward (32).

Yarm are fourth following their excellent batting performance at home to Normanby Hall. A target of 164 was met in 43.5 overs as Mark Gibbon (43) opened the reply. Will Wyatt (34 not out) and James Riley put together an unbroken partnership for the fourth wicket.

Javed Ramzan top scored with 56 in the Hall's total of 163 for eight from 50 overs. Man-of-the-match Wyatt bowled throughout, his 25 overs yielding three wickets for 60.

Gerard Hull played his first game for some time but was quickly into his stride in the Darlington RA attack picking up three for 13 runs in eight overs.

Despite his efforts Stokesley still made 186 all out. Ian West then took over and in an outstanding spell of 9.4 overs, he captured six wickets for 17 to senf RA back to the pavilion for 83.

Runs were also at a premium at Wolviston, whose 50 overs produced 117 for nine - including 35 by Geoff Ward. Bedale's Phil Staves took five for 24 in 18 overs, nine of them maidens and Mark Ellis conceded only 38 runs taking three wickets in his 18 overs. Mike Fleming (56) then steered Bedale to a seven wicket victory.

Seaton Carew made a near-200 total at Feethams but still lost by eight wickets to Darlington. Ricky Clayton and Martin Skirving both passed 60 with Stapleton claiming five for 36 in the home attack.

Danny Morgans (83) and Keith Barker, who batted throughout for an unbeaten 57 gave Darlington the perfect start to their reply and the momentum was maintained by Simon Gough with 45.

Ryan Murray (6-32) and Stephen Trillo (3-33) bowled out Redcar for just 89 before Guisborough won by five wickets at Fountains Garth.