Although leaders Horden only managed a draw they increased their lead to 22 points when Felling inflicted a first defeat on Hetton Lyons, writes Malcolm Pratt.

The irrepressible Chris Pleasants again was the matchwinner for Felling. After Barry Norman and Alan Bullock put on 64 to help Felling to 160, Pleasants took over.

He returned 6-28 from 18 overs and with support from Chris Dodsley (3-41) Felling won by 87 runs.

Horden hit a formidable 248 at Whitburn but failed to win. Carl Watson smashed 86 off 50 deliveries (12 fours and three sixes). Along with Nadeem Khan (90) the pair added 118 together for the fourth wicket in just 46 minutes. They declared after 39 overs giving the bowlers plenty of time.

Paul Shields (56) hindered their progress and although Horden bowled 62 overs they couldn't dismiss the opposition. Eppleton won their second match in succession with a home victory against South Shields. David Lowther (89) and Sean Birbeck added 90 for the second wicket and Shields did well to keep the score to 175.

Birbeck then displayed his bowling skills assisted by some indifferent Shields batting. He ended with 6-22 from 12 overs and Shields were well short of their target.

A superb batting track at Boldon meant a draw against neighbours Marsden. Home skipper Chris Ellison hit an unbeaten century as Boldon ended with 225.

A slow over rate and poor start ensured there would be no win for Marsden, but professional Sean DeKtretser (64 not out) and Michael Gandy (85 not out) took full advantage of the flat track.

Burnmoor's victory at South Hetton moved them into fourth place. When Bobby Steel departed to leave South Hetton 35 for three, they struggled. Ian Conn (5-47) and Martin Thursfield (4-22) starring with the ball.

Chasing only 115 proved easy for Moors. Mark Benfield, ten boundaries in his unbeaten half century, and John Tindale (46no) added 97 to see them home by nine wickets.

There was two centuries in Seaham's match with Durham City but the latter's massive 260 was too many to overtake. Alex Richards led the City run-charge with 120 before Harbour's reply. David Thompson with 106 took Seaham beyond the double centuryin the draw.