Very little cricket was played in the Darlington Building Society NYSD's Division One on Saturday, with no game achieving a finish.

Leaders Thornaby had Darlington 73 for three at Feethams when the heavens opened and restricted them to just one additional bonus point.

Seaton Carew took advantage of Billingham's inactivity to move into second place as they almost snatched victory against Darlington RA but had to be content with 13 points as the RA's last pair clung on.

Middlebrough and Yarm were also washed out after a start that had seen the Boro reach 136 for six, whilst Barnard Castle had got to 96 for five at Stokesley before the same fate befell them.

In Sunday's programme Thornaby won a vital toss at Stokesley and tight bowling by Leigh Beaumont and Andrew Emmerson tied the home side down to 162 which they were able to pass with six wickets in hand.

Billingham maintained their pressure when they defeated Wolviston by five wickets, after Keith Hewson had set them on their way with a haul of five for 46. Seaton Carew confirmed that the title now just rests between three teams as they defeated Darlington by four wickets to stay in contention.

Guisborough earned their third win of the season at Darlington RA as the home side were shot out for just 59 with Steve Donlan, Stephen Turner and Jeff Coates all took three wickets.

The visitors were able to ease to a six wicket win which effectively ended any lingering hopes the home side had of a quick return to the Premier Division.

In the Readers Durham County League the big game went ahead yesterday produced the result of the season as second placed Esh Winning defeated leaders Kimblesworth by 24 runs to give everyone else in the league renewed hope.

Esh posted what looked like an inadequate 142, David Lawler continuing his fabulous weekend with another half century.

For Kimblesworth, Aron Andrich took five wickets and Moralee four, which included the hat-trick. It was then the Esh bowlers turn to apply the pressure and with Paul Chivers and Mark Davison taking three wickets apiece the champions lost for the first time this season.

Tudhoe found a way to beat the weather as they bowled Etherley out for 110 in just 29 overs, and then knocked the runs off in just 24. Sachin Rana took four for 43, which included a hat-trick, and then smashed 76, an innings that included five fours and seven sixes to give his team a six wicket victory.

Wilkin Mota of Shildon who scored 118 and then took five for 37 to lead his side to a 40 run victory over Langley Park. In the days only other played match Chris Peareth (46) and Chris Coatsworth (36) led Evenwood to a score of 184 for seven despite Stephen Milburn's three for 71 for Ushaw Moor.