The magnificent form of Swalwell in the Wellstream Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League continues.

They won their seventh consecutive game to extend their advantage as leaders from 16 to 25 points as they beat Newcastle City.

Ryton, promoted after heading the league's second division, lost to Leadgate although they didn't give up without a fight.

The visitors must have wondered if they could force a win when they were bowled out for 136 with Ryton's pro', Anil Ridee (4-41), Richard Brooks (3- 20) and Farrukh Iqbal (2-19) doing the business. But Leadgate showed their bowling strength with David Anderson (5-26) and Lee Murray (3-3) sending the home side back to the pavilion for 106, short of their target by 30 runs.

Sacriston pushed Benwell and Walbottle to the bottom of the pile as Melvyn Betts took four wickets and Paul Shield hit 72 to share man-of-the match rating in an eight wicket triumph. The day's other winners were Ashington, who beat Annfield Plain, Lintz who triumphed at Backworth and Shotley Bridge who edged a thriller by just one run against Tynedale.