Durham Coast League: Murton are just about home and dry in the race for the championship, writes Malcolm Pratt.

The games involving the leading sides were all washed out and Murton now require just five points from their last two games to retain the title.

Easington managed to stage their fixture with Seaham Park and were rewarded with a handsome victory.

Russell Tarn (69) and David Kennedy with 31 put together a productive partnership for Easington's third wicket after both openers departed cheaply.

The home side eventually posted 201-9 despite Robbie Howe claiming three wickets for just ten runs in the Seaham attack.

Replying, the visitors never threatened and were back in the pavilion for just 76 as Robbie Atherton and Stuart Wilson shared six wickets.

Peterlee have given themselves a fighting chance of avoiding the wooden spoon.

Following last week's initial victory they held Castle Eden to a draw although it was the visitors who were in the ascendancy at close of play. Richard Ede took 4-22 but a defiant unbeaten 38 from Maddison enabled Peterlee to end on 80-7 replying to Castle Eden's 168-6.

Stephen Horsley (46) and Allan Unsworth (38) gave their side a good start and the momentum was maintained by John Spellman with 35 so that the defendable total of 168-6 was achieved.

The top-of-the-table clash between Silksworth and Murton was cancelled as were the games at Dawdon, Bill Quay and Houghton.