Super performances by openers Phil Ramage and Tony Bell laid the foundations for Saltburn's huge total in their top-of-the-table clash with Redcar.

Although the match was drawn, Saltburn were the happier side, gaining eight points more than their opponents to reduce Redcar's lead to nine points.

Ramage and Bell put on in excess of 200 runs for the first wicket, enabling a total of 285 for the loss of just two wickets to be posted from 50 overs.

Ramage struck four sixes and 19 boundaries contributing 141 and Bell was just two runs short of a century when he was run out after finding the line on 14 occasions.

Early in-roads were made into the Redcar innings but Mally Whitehead stook firm recording ten boundaries in 68 and at stumps the visitors were comfortably placed at 155-7. Mauhtashim Rashid sent down 24 overs, including seven maidens in taking five wickets for only 65 runs.

Darlington and Guisborough also drew and it was the former who collected most points, picking up a healthy 15. Indeed, they were close to victory since the visitors had their last pair at the wicket nowhere in sight of the target.

Graham Shaw and Gary Murray both passed 30 but in the end it was down to Johnny May (46 not out) and last man Graeme Wrightson to save the day for Guisborough who were 216-9.

When they batted first, Darlington were given a good start through a second-wicket stand between Neil Pratt (65) and Simon Guy, who with 87 was the game's top scorer. Gary Moody carried his bat for 52 enabling a total of 270-7 to be achieved.

Not even a magnificent all-round performance by Shanoka Dissanayake could earn Richmondshire victory over Hartlepool at Park Drive. He crashed a stunning 140 not out from just 137 deliveries, hitting no fewer than 21 fours. The innings produced 215-5 and although Dissanayake returned 3-70 bowling unchanged for 25 overs, Pool made their way to 192-8 at stumps.

Gary Tebbett (34) and John Cannon, with a half century, were the players who gave encouragement to the home side and with just 27 runs separating the teams at close of play, the outcome was in the balance.

Northallerton's batting woes continued at Marske where they again failed to reach three figures. Fahim Fazal had them in difficulties from the start and when he ended with 7-51 from 14 overs, the visitors were all out for just 92.

The Marske batsmen did not find it easy either but eventually realised 150, which included 39 from 92 balls by John Wiltshire. Jonathan Barnes was his usual economical self and in 23.4 overs, ten of which were maidens, he conceded just 30 runs taking four wickets.

Thornaby gained a welcome win at the expense of Darlington RA. Darren Hickey's 70 and 31 from Graeme Hird enabled a respectable 176 to be posted when RA batted first. Six of the wickets were taken by Ian MacDonald for an economical 43 runs.

Hrishikesh Kanitkar was again in form with the bat for Thornaby and when he remained unbeaten on 71 and both Moore and Steel scored 37, the home side won, conceding just two wickets.

Bishop Auckland were easy winners over Normanby Hall at Kingsway. Runs were scarce when the Hall made first use of the wicket and found Paul Timmens difficult to play. His 8-53 return was the best of the day and when Richard Hawthorne batted throughout for an unbeaten 70 and seasonal debutant Hiram Marambe carried his bat for 31, Bishops overtook the total of 117 with seven wickets remaining.

Mark Croft batted throughout for Middlesbrough against Blackhall at Acklam Park. He found the wicket to his liking, scoring 132 not out in a total of 254-6.

Imran Jan (38) and Tony Booth raised the hopes of the Colliers and Ben Usher finished 48 not out but when time was up, only 200-4 was on the board.