Not one of the five leading sides won but Lanchester opened up a three-points lead over Newcastle City when they drew the match of the day.

Champions Shotley Bridge won for the first time defeating Swalwell by eight wickets.

Scott Kay is one of the best batsmen in the League and when he is on song he takes some removing as Sacriston found to their cost. He batted throughout for 125 and Neil Clark made a half century as Tynedale posted 230-5.

It was a tall order for Sacriston and although David Metcalfe opened with 48, the innings stuttered to 118 all out as Richard Darling returned the superb figures of 6-20.

Aldo van den Berg was Annfield Plain's matchwinner against Ashington. His four wickets at an economical 12 runs was followed with an unbeaten 46 as the Plain overtook the Colliers' total of 90-9 losing just one wicket.

Despite needing only 82, Lintz were pushed hard by Leadgate, who lost by two wickets.

Whickham continue to lead Division Two and Michael Brundell again produced form hitting two sixes and 13 fours out of 89 at Kirkley, who made only 124 in their reply.

Consett, hoping to return to Division One at the first attempt, just beat the weather at Burnopfield where they had 52 runs to spare after John Walker (41) and Ian Stoneman, with 55, made late contributions to a matchwinning total of 204-9.