THE weather decimated the programme when only two games were able to make a start.

The matches at Boldon and Whitburn began on time with visitors South Shields and Seaham Harbour both victorious.

Seaham Harbour's win lifts them off the bottom and with South Shields winning their fourth game in succession they are now the only side with a 100 per cent record.

There was a tense struggle at Whitburn where the home side again struggled for runs. The early order failed again and they were 13 for three with Ashley Thorpe, Neil Ayre and Paul Shields all dismissed. A partial recovery was led by John Dunn and Paul Cook and when Steve Sennett (4- 30) removed the pair, Whitburn struggled.

At 62-7 skipper, David Bell saw his side to three figures but the 124 looked a reasonable target for the Harbour. But the wet wicket was to assist the Whitburn attack. Pares Dogra (73) and David Thompson (30) led Seaham into a strong position. When Dogra was dismissed on 119-6 it seemed his side had done sufficient. A late Whitburn effort left their opponents requiring two runs with the last pair together.

They managed it - but only just.

South Shields were quickly into their stride at Boldon. They took advantage of a helpful wicket and the home side were never given any respite. After Geoff Houmark (30) and Masood Mirza had been separated wickets fell regularly.

Philip Bell (3-36) was the main wicket taker but economical returns from Mathew Muchall, Lindsay Cullen and Alan Stevenson brought two wickets apiece.

Requiring 110 to win Shields lost both Australians Cullen and Mike Fishwick by the time the score had reached 38.

However, Paul Craig (41) and Lee Whalley (40 not out) ensured Shields collected another 20 points.