Durham Coast League: Castle Eden won the match-of-the-day against championship rivals Silksworth to keep the pressure on leaders Murton.

Hopes that they would avenge their only defeat of the season soon evaporated for the Wearsiders when they were reduced to 137 all out.

The modest total would have been a great deal less but for a half-century from Stephen Wright, batting at number nine, and 31 by Ricky Khiara, who went in second last.

Allan Unsworth was a constant thorn in the side of the home batsmen and his economical spell earned him five wickets for only 35 runs.

Man-of-the-match Unsworth then starred with the bat. He held the visitors' innings together contributing 44 and young John Spellman added 35, putting their side on the road to victory.

There was still time for Silksworth to claim another three wickets, however, and cause a few nerves in the visitors' camp. In all seven wickets went down before Castle Eden completed the double over their rivals and consolidate second position.

Leaders Murton faced an relatively easy task against Seaham Park, who were without several regulars. Calvin Stephenson, with 6-38 and Joe Dodd (4-35) had the visitors back in the pavilion for just 77 in 32.5 overs. Stephenson then plundered three sixes and four boundaries in 41 not out and victory was achieved in just 22 overs for the loss of only two wickets.

Hylton, now third, returned to winning form when they had 47 runs to spare over Boldon CA. Captain David Hanson struck 16 fours out of 90, his opening partner Joe Bittlestone adding 38 and Gary Hewitt 42 to the formidable total of 219-5 declared.

Boldon batted for 46 overs before they were all out for 172. Jason Jones (50) and George Lincoln (29) raised hopes that the game might be saved with a mid-innings stand. However, Shaun Smith's 6-49 proved decisive.

Ryhope made the biggest score of the day - 253-6 declared - but to no avail at Bill Quay, who were comfortable on 175-4 when time was called. Graeme Smith was in wonderful form for Ryhope, crashing 157 and Paul Watson added 39 as the runs flowed all around the ground.

After four wickets went relatively cheaply, Bill Quay also had a batting star in Michael Towns and he ended undefeated with 93, steering the home side to a creditable draw.

Ryhope used seven bowlers in the attack but with limited success.

In contrast, Houghton's batsmen struggled at Peterlee. Keith Hewson captured five wickets for 52 runs and Chris Ford had 4-31 as the visitors were back in the pavilion for only 119 runs.

The target proved easy for the home side once Nicky Beall (46 not out) and Ford, with 40, settled into a productive opening partnership. Only two wickets were conceded before success was achieved.

Bobby Stephenson and Jamie Greenwood were involved in an unbroken stand for the fourth wicket, which enabled Dawdon to see off the challenge from neighbours Easington.

Stephenson carried his bat for 66 and Greenwood did slightly better with 69 not out. The pair joined together after the first three Dawdon batsmen had contributed only 33 runs between them and took the total to 184 without further loss.

Jason Robson, David Kennedy and Robbie Atherton all made at least 30 in the Easington innings which ended on 179 for six wickets.