Durham Coast League: It was predictable that the top-of-the-table clash between leaders Silksworth and Murton would end in a draw. They both gained eight points allowing third-placed Bill Quay to make up ground.

After three early wickets had fallen, Murton recovered through a fourth-wicket partnership between Shaun Smith (48) and Calvin Stephenson (51) and eventually a total of 183-8 was posted.

Six of the wickets went to Stephen Wright at a cost of just 71 runs. Skipper David Tate dominated Silksworth's reply. After losing Philip Smailes without scoring, Tate found an able partner in Paul Smailes (52) and at stumps, the visitors were comfortably placed on 148-2 with Tate unbeaten on 75.

Bill Quay's Chris Smith and Chris Pleasants combined to send Ryhope back for only 148. Pleasants, returning to the side following injury, claimed three wickets but it was Smith who took the honours with a 6-43 performance.

When they batted first, Bill Quay had Jeff Tudor (79) and Paul Bentham (78) in good form and the pair raised the total to 244-5.

Castle Eden were the only other side to win defeating bottom-of-the-table Peterlee by ten wickets.

The visitors' innings lasted just 26.3 overs as Tony Banks took 4-30 and Wayne Birks 4-15.

The target was meat and drink to the home side's openers who needed only 17.2 overs. Gerard Magee was the dominant partner, hitting one six and 11 fours in an unbeaten 56 while Michael Higgin ended with 20 not out.

Houghton are now third from bottom following their game at Boldon CA. An unbeaten century by Gary Critchley was the highlight of their 201-7 declared but an unbeaten 50 by Snowball took Houghton to 156 at close of play.

Just 21 runs and three wickets separated Hylton from Dawdon. Shoaib Akhtar ended undefeated on 88 and Chris Price contributed a half century to Dawdon's 203-5. Gary Braithwaite led Hylton's response with 66 - the home side ending on 182-7 with Akhtar completing an outstanding all-round performance with 5-40.

David Morton was Seaham Park's saviour at home to Easington. He opened and was still there at the end on 71no in a total of 166-8. Easington's 211-5 included 67no by Stuart Wilson and an unbeaten 59 from Robbie Atherton.