Dawson played two ties on successive nights and was successful in both games, writes Malcolm Pratt.

In a preliminary round match, they defeated Peterlee by ten wickets when Michael Appleby took four for seven in four overs restricting the visitors to only 53 all out.

Appleby then led the Dawdon reply with one six and four boundaries in an unbeaten 29 and victory was secured without losing a wicket.

The following night, first round ties were played and Dawdon visited Blackhall where they won by nine wickets. Nigel Marsh top scored with 21 in the Blackhall total of 57 for seven and for Dawdon Liam Gustard had two for 12 in four overs.

Michael Appleby again shone with the bat making a top scoring 30 and Michael Wright added 23 to Dawdon's reply of 58 for one.

Houghton had 19 runs to spare in their home tie with Castle Eden. James Miller (43) and Shaun Hauxwell (27) gave the innings a good start and Ross Bainbridge added 23 to the eventual total of 109 for two. Castle Eden were restricted to 90 for five when they went to the wicket.

In the derby at Ryhope, Silksworth won comfortably. Batting first, the visitors ended on 121 for eight with runs from Craig Neild whose 23 included no fewer than five boundaries, Scott Davison with 22 and Gary McAvoy (21). Purewal was the most productive bowler in the Ryhope attack capturing three for 13 in four overs. When Ryhope went to the wicket they made just 88 for four which included an unbeaten 33 by Hughes who struck one six and four fours. Scott Davison bowled a good end for Silksworth claiming three for 21 in four overs.

Seaham Park also reached the next round defeating Easington by eight wickets. Replying a target of 69 they ended with 70 for two as both Liam Chapman and Adam Wallace scored 18 apiece. When Easington batted first, and recorded a total of 68 for six, Wallace took two of the wickets for 12 runs in four overs.