only six points separate leaders South Northumberland from Chester-le-Street with four games to play.

Both won but crucially the Cestrians gained two more points than their rivals when they bowled out Tynemouth for 162.

Ben Debnam struck 59 but the six-man varied Cestrian attack curtailed the scoring at Ropery Lane.

There were two early successes for Nick Quinn before skipper Quentin Hughes struck 37 and young Andrew Smith added 35 as the Cestrians reached the target losing seven wickets. Quinn ended with three for 59 and David Barrick took four for 53.

South Northumberland faced a considerable target against Sunderland at Gosforth. Alan Mustard (88) and Greg Applegarth (60) led the revival before Imran Shah finished 37 not out when a total of 236 for seven was accumulated.

South North made a poor start to their innings before captain John Graham (68) and Matthew Hall (69) put their side on the path to victory. Stephen Humble was still there at the end unbeaten on 45 and South North had four wickets in hand.

Just as there is a two-way battle for the championship, two sides are fighting it out to avoid finishing bottom. Newcastle are at the basement after losing to Blaydon by five wickets.

Neil McGarrell was the match winner taking seven for 32 as the home side laboured through 42.2 overs to make 124.

McGarrell then turned his attentions to the bat and struck two sixes and seven boundaries in an undefeated 64. Geoff Stewart added a valuable 30, and although Joel Hughes claimed three wickets, Blaydon were not unduly troubled.

Philadelphia extended their unbeaten sequence to four games to raise hopes of avoiding the wooden spoon. Stuart Walker was again in outstanding form and was only two runs short of a century when caught.

Brett Pelser contributed a half century and the useful total of 242 was posted against Norton at Bunker Hill.

John Watson (40) and Stephen Purcifer with 46 formed a productive partnership for the second wicket before the Symington brothers took over.

Marc was unbeaten with 55 and Craig made 32 as the innings ended on 218 for five.

Guy Darwin made 113 before being run out and James Lowe added a half century to Stockton's match-winning total of 210 for six declared at Gateshead Fell.

Although there was limited resistance from Allan Worthy and Ian Patterson, the Fell's innings collapsed to 93 all out as second-change bowler Kevin Ward caused them all sorts of problems claiming five wickets for eight runs.

Mark Stoneman plundered 129 and Mark Cummings 54 leading Durham Academy to 279 for four declared at Benwell Hill.

Although the home side never threatened, they were comfortably placed on 175 for six at close of play. Graeme Race added 68 and captain Phil Nicholson was undefeated on 49.