Roseberry Group North East Durham League: Washington maintained their position at the top of division one with an eight wickets victory at Medomsley, writes Malcolm Pratt.

The home side made an indifferent start and the first three batsmen contributed only 15 runs between them, but Hinds (31) and Milburn (38) retrieved the situation and eventually a total of 111 for eight was accumulated.

Hebron, who took two of the first three wickets to fall, finished with two for 25, Plender two for 22 and Bilton three for 32.

Replying Washington were indebted to opener Thompson for his contribution of 47. Cuthbert added 23 while Lyall ended undefeated on 31 as a match winning total of 113 for two was posted.

East Rainton are second just three points behind Washington following their victory at Hunwick who managed 93 for seven which included 26 by Alderson and a similar score by Fleming. Richardson and Kinsella both took a couple of wickets for East Rainton who won losing two wickets as Ashley Proud finished undefeated on 42. Kinsella scored 28 and Neil Matthews 15 when he opened the innings.

Simonside overtook the Hospitals' total of 96 for seven with eight wickets remaining. Thompson was their match winner scoring an unbeaten 40 and in an unbroken third wicket stand with Phin (26no) led his side to success.

Batting first Hospitals totalled just 96 for seven as man of the match Thompson took four wickets for just 18 runs.

Belmont hosted Wearmouth and went down by ten wickets. The home side were sent back to the pavilion with just 56 runs on the board as Gary Pickering took four wickets for a mere six runs and Andy Murphy claimed three for 14. Peter Stronach gave support with two for 19 before Wearmouth replied with 59 without loss. Phil O'Ware (21no) and Wayman (27no) were both in top form for Wearmouth.

There was no play in the game between Coundon and Kelloe and Plawsworth's fixture with Newton Aycliffe, played at Durham City's ground on Sunday, was abandoned with Plawsworth 158 for six. Stephen Peel made an excellent 69 and Fletcher 30 not out.

In division two Washington also head the table after defeating Coxhoe by 197 runs.

Batting first the leaders ended with 247 for three on top from a reduced 40 overs. Mark Nelson, playing his first game after moving from Littletown, scored 105 not out with two sixes and 12 boundaries. He shared in an unbroken fourth wicket partnership of 110 with McElvaney (34no) and earlier and Alan Kirtley contributed 33 with three boundaries.

Replying Coxhoe were all out for 140 which included 46 by opening batsman Strange. Kirtley also had a good day with the ball for Washington taking four wickets for 19 runs in 9.5 overs, three of which were maidens.

East Rainton are third top after defeating Medomsley by 25 runs. Ball, with 55 and Davidson 39, led East Rainton to an impressive 169 for seven with Dixon the most successful bowler for Medomsley ending with figures of two for 51.

Medomsley made an indifferent start to their reply but Reay raised hopes scoring 46 and Dixon added 21. In the end though the innings closed on 144 as Reay claimed three wickets for 36 runs and Hall two for 34.

Littletown just edged Bearpark by one wicket. The visitors were all out for 99 which included a top scoring 26 by Bell while for Littletown, Sulliman took three for 36 and Andy Woollitt four for 20.

In reply Littletown also struggled for runs, but 26 by Davies and 20 from McDonald put them on their way, but in the end they had just one wicket remaining. Bell almost snatched victory for Bearpark capturing four wickets for 17 runs while Paton took two for 24.

Wearmouth were 120 for two when the rain arrived and caused the abandonment of their game with Burnhope at Carley Hill. Larkin scored 47 before being dismissed and Morgan was 26 not out.

No play was possible in the games between North Bitchburn and Tantobie and Newton Aycliffe v Plawsworth.