CASTLE EDEN’S outstanding start to the season in the Durham Senior League gained momentum when they again became the team of the day.

The only club with a 100 per cent record moved into second place, just nine points behind leaders Felling.

The Castle also overcame the weather to gain their third successive victory against a previously unbeaten Horden side. After two hours had been lost to the weather Horden managed just 101, with Alan Unsworth and Richard Ede keeping their batsmen pinned down. Unsworth took five wickets in a 15-over spell in which he conceded 34 runs and Ede chipped in by taking three of the others, including that of Masood Mirza who top scored with 30.

Ede’s wickets cost him six runs.

Castle’s batsmen then handled the pressure to win by five wickets, victory coming with three balls to spare, in which new professional, Indian Saru Purkasatha (26no), had an immediate impact by scoring the winning runs.

As expected Burnmoor made life difficult for league leaders Felling, a reduced game ending in stalemate. Mark Robson top scored with 42 to help take the home team up to a score of 144-7, but a generous declaration did not entice the visitors once South African Brandon Scullard had picked up six wickets to dent their ambition. They closed on 93-6 after 35 overs.

Norton moved up to third place with their second win in four games and they did it against Whitburn with a smart all-round display. Jon Kean (4-26 in 15 overs), Patrick Mitchell (3-14 in 9.2 overs) and Aslan Riaz (3-32 in 15 overs) combined to bowl out their visitors in 49 overs for 98 runs. Then Nick Thomas (30no) led the assault as the Teessiders needed just 22 overs to win by six wickets.

Champions Kimblesworth are still seeking their first win, but they at least put behind them the surprise start that has seen them lose twice. Paul Craig (69) and Craig Burke (48no) shared a stand that propelled the team to 175-5, but this was too rich for Eppleton who closed on 81-4.

Elsewhere, South Hetton enjoyed their first win with Vishal Sahni hitting an 85- ball half century against Philadelphia.

John Leslie’s four wickets reduced Phili to 130 from 45 overs before South romped home by six wickets. Boldon’s Mike Walker hit 76 but rivals Marsden managed to hold them to a draw.