Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League

Lanchester stay out in front following a five-wicket victory against Sacriston, whose total of 153 proved reasonably comfortable to the home side.

Stephen Ball made a half century, but generally the Sacriston batsmen were contained once Banda (5-29) and Iqbal (3-49) were introduced into the attack.

Although the visitors claimed a couple of early wickets, Lanchester's reply was assured. Andrew Donnelly led the way with 43 and there were useful contributions from Kevin Dixon, Tony Halliday and Malcolm Small even though Gavin Swan produced his best figures to date of 3-34. Newcastle City are just four points adrift of the leaders.

They saw off the challenge from Ashington, whose 50 overs produced only 146-8 as the well-varied, six-man City attack mostly dominated.

Simon Prudhoe, Ross Sample and David Rutherford all made at least 30 for the Colliers, but no player was able to build on the contributions of the trio.

Imran Shah opened Newcastle's reply, making 31 and following his dismissal, Masood Mirza (69 not out) and Sohail (30 not out) achieved what the home side had failed to do and build a big unbeaten partnership for the third wicket. Swalwell leap-frogged Tynedale when Stephen Humble produced a superb man-of-the-match performance with the ball.

He captured seven wickets for a meagre 26 runs and although Neil Clark made 47 and John Crichton 31 not out, the Hexham side were back in the pavilion for just 148.

Batting first, Swalwell were grateful to a fine innings of 68 from Jason Dumigham, which led to a total of 179-8 being posted. David Nevin with 63 and Gary Christie (38 not out) both struck form in Lintz's victory at home to Annfield Plain.

Bruce Armstrong (52) and John Newstead (33) were instrumental in the Plain making 169-9.

Kevin Penny finished 113 not out when Ryton totalled 255 for the loss of two wickets, but the total was insufficient as Leadgate won by seven wickets as Gary Innes (72 not out) and Sean Ackermann with an unbeaten 56 formed an unbroken partnership for the fourth wicket.

Father and son Donald and Phil Brown played prominent roles in Shotley Bridge's win at Backworth. Donald claimed four wickets and Phil top-scored with 60. Whickham extended their lead at the top of Division Two with a thrilling victory over Percy Main.

It looked as if Jonathan Benn's 139 from 95 balls would be sufficient for the Main, who surged to 235-9 in 50 overs.

But Whickham's Michael Brundle (72) maintained his exciting form and a half century from Andy May helped earn what could turn out to be a crucial win. Meanwhile, Consett maintained their good form defeating Kirkley.