Foster's ECB North-East Regional Premier League: Chester-le-Street claimed a fourth consecutive win after beating Tynemouth to close the gap on leaders South Northumberland to just eight points.

Barry Stewart (62) and Matthew Summers, with an unbeaten 37, were the principal contributors to the near-200 total, despite Glen Read claiming four wickets for only 41 runs.

Nick Quinn and John Callaghan made early inroads into the Cestrians' reply before Durham County's Graeme Bridge put his side on the road to victory, scoring 75, before Quinn took his wicket.

Liam Simpson and Andrew Smith both contributed 28 and success was achieved with four wickets remaining. Leaders South Northumberland were involved a nail-biting finale at Ashbrooke. Sunderland's target was a modest 154 but they struggled throughout the innings and only succeeded with their last pair at the wicket. Lee Rushworth made a crucial contribution of 48 and in the visiting attack, Stephen Humble captured four for 39.

Chris Hewison was the pick of South North's batting with 67.

Marlon Black and the former Durham County paceman Simon Brown shared seven wickets.

Norton won for the first time when they saw off the challenge from rival strugglers Philadelphia with five wickets remaining.

Marc Symington Norton's match-winner with an unbeaten 56. Stephen Purcifer and Sumit Puri shared seven wickets when Phili, fielding a weakened side, struggled to 151 for nine.

Stockton suffered a 38-run defeat at home to Gateshead Fell in a low-scoring match. Their target was 160 but they were all out for 121 as Ian Pattison took four for 32. Nicky Phillips four for 27 runs in 16 overs.

Runs were also at a premium when the Fell made first use of the wicket. They were in deep trouble until Chris Taylor, batting at number nine, raised the score to 159 all out, scoring 41 with five boundaries. Chris Hooker sent down 18 overs in the Stockton attack returning 4-38 and Kevin Ward had 4-30 from the 11.2 overs.

Blaydon returned to winning form in the local derby with Newcastle. Captain Jim Mathewson (48) and Keith Brown with 57 were the principal scorers in the visitors' useful total of 189-9.

Gary Stewart took five for 57 and replying, Blaydon won with six wickets remaining as Ian Somerville, Stephen Smith, Neil McGarrell and captain Mark Drake all found form.

Taufeeq Umer (62) and skipper Mike Nicholson (59 not out) were prominent in Benwell Hill's 207 for nine against Durham Academy at the Racecourse Ground.

Luke Anderson claimed five for 43 runs but at stumps the Academy were only 167 for five; including 45 not out from Uzair Mahomed and 39 from Stephen Gale.