THE leaders in the Durham Cricket League got bogged down in a laborious draw, Burnmoor (158-8 in 47.5 overs ) being thwarted by Philadelphia (126-6 in 47 overs).

Phili looked set to win at one stage as their opening pair put on 87, only for the rest of their batsmen to be pinned down to such an extent they only managed 39 runs in the last 25 overs.

Dawdon leapfrogged Horden into second spot, two points adrift of the Moor, when they defeated Evenwood by three wickets, John Leslie once again their match winner with 12 fours and five sixes in a scintillating 84.

Horden ended up with only eight points at Tudhoe to drop to third after Danny Thexton smashed 7 fours and 5 sixes in a wonderful unbeaten 103 for the home team.

Set a target of 234-4 Horden closed on 169-8 from 38 overs to slip further off the pace.