Washington celebrated their return to the league, recording the biggest win of the day at Easington where they had five wickets to spare.

Matthew Thompson, with an impressive 4-18, played the leading role restricting the Colliers to only 117 with most runs coming from professional David Kennedy (39) and Robbie Atherton (43).

Although Washington lost an early wicket they were never in danger as Stephen Cuthbertson (36) and Mark Lee (31) put together a winning partnership for the second wicket.

Stuart Wilson bowled a good end in the Easington attack and was well worth his figures of 3-26 but despite seven bowlers being used, Washington who clinched a first-day win.

The other five games all resulted in close finishes.

Murton were required to make only 112 at neighbours Seaham Park but lost eight wickets before securing victory.

They were indebted to Jonathan Vout (32) and Phil Grimwood (44 not out).

Experienced Alan Dick and James Taylor both claimed three cheap wickets for the Park who earlier had to fight for runs as Calvin Stephenson and John Robson took four apiece.

Newcomer David Hanson (33) top performed with the bat for Seaham.

On a day when runs were at a premium at most grounds, Castle Eden had to battle to overtake the Silksworth total of 123. Wickets went quickly but Dean Langridge steadied the ship and his unbeaten 48 was crucial in a two-wicket victory.

Stephen Wright returned 4-54 in the Silksworth attack, but Castle Eden's Jonathan Malkin went two better with 6-49. Paul Bradford was the pick of the visiting batsman with 41.

Bill Quay edged to a two-wicket victory at Houghton whose total of 149-7 on a rain-affected wicket looked defendable. Paul Elliott made a half century and David Robinson an unbeaten 45, while for Bill Quay, Stephen Smith bowled a useful end, returning 4-54.

There were early problems for the Quay until David Hunt, with a matchwinning 77 and Matthew Dench (37) came together in a winning partnership. New captain Stephen Robinson almost won the game for Houghton taking 6-92.

Peterlee were all out for just 81 at Boldon CA but were just one wicket from success. Paul Griffiths and Andrew Laidler each took three cheap wickets but Boldon squeezed home by the narrowest of margins.

The Bellerby brothers Ian (5-38) and Karl (3-4) were both in splendid form for Boldon.

The only game to be drawn was that between Ryhope and Dawdon which produced by far the most runs with 356 recorded.

Stephen Gale (39) and David Coates (32) led the way in the visitors' total of 182-9 with Craig Smith and James Errington sharing seven of the wickets.

Graeme Smith (30), Greg Arundel (30), John Minnis (47) and Craig Smith (45 not out) took Ryhope to 174-7 at stumps leaving eight runs and three wickets separating the teams.