Federation Special Durham Senior League: WHILE the elements again affected the programme, there were no clouds in the Seaham Harbour camp when they registered a five-wicket victory at Durham City.

The basement battle went Seaham's way and they were indebted initially to David Thompson's bowling. His late introduction brought a 5-22 return, including the wicket of City's top scorer Tom Meredith (65).

There were early problems for Seaham who lost three wickets cheaply, but David Leslie (83) stood firm. He found eventual support from Sean Cartledge (38) and the pair were together when their side eased to a five-wicket win.

The top-of-the-table contest between Burnmoor and Boldon was ruined when 49 minutes were lost in the first innings. Boldon lost two quick wickets before Grant Forster (70) and Orlanzo Jackson (37 not out) steadied the innings with a third-wicket stand worth 79.

Intent on securing a healthy total, Boldon used up most of the batting allocation making Burnmoor's task a formidable one. Main hope Mark Benfield and other opener Barry Dews both left with only seven runs on the board and any intention of victory was quickly shelved. The draw leaves Boldon three points in front with six games remaining.

Eppleton ended with 146 at neighbours South Hetton after a rain-delayed start. Sean Birbeck (47) and Lee Welch (35 not out) were the main contributors before the South Hetton reply. Their reponse never gained momentum and each side picked up seven points.

The games at Marsden and South Shields lasted only 5.5 overs each when persistent rain terminated both games at the coast.

After a delayed start at Whitburn, Hetton Lyons made slow progress with 53 added by Graham Hoban (36) and Michael Walker for the third wicket.

The declaration was applied when the Lyons reached the two bonus points-marker but play was into the final hour by this time. Whitburn had no opportunity to make a positive response and again the winner was the weather.