Darlington'S seven-wicket victory at Northallerton last Saturday has set up a mouth-watering derby clash with neighbours Darlington RA in the last round of fixtures tomorrow.

The match at Feethams holds the key to the destiny of the league title. A win for Darlington will give them the championship, but defeat could let in Guisborough or Marske.

Neil Pratt took 4-28 in ten overs at Northallerton to help dismiss the home side for 102.

The remaining wickets were shared equally between Kevin Mott, Paul Raine and professional Hanif-ur-Rehman, who then made a top score of 32 as the Quakers sped to a comfortable victory.

Gary Moody and Simon Whitehead shared an unbeaten and winning stand of 44 for the fourth wicket, while Northallerton professional Jonathan Barnes claimed all three wickets at a personal cost of 35 runs.

Marske moved temporarily into second place after defeating Guisborough by 16 runs at Fountains Garth.

The visitors were bowled out for a modest 114 as Ian Coverdale remained unbeaten on 35.

Chris Murray claimed 5-36 and professional Dave Towse took 4-36.

The Priorymen were then dismissed for just 98 by Marske professional Mohamed Fazal (5-36) and Tim Hood (5-57).

Guisborough moved back into second place despite being held to a draw by visitors Richmondshire on Sunday.

The home side declared on 200-8 after 43 overs as Richard Dunn made a top score of 70 and visiting captain Clive Layfield claimed three wickets.

The Richmond reply had reached 150-7 at stumps.

Fourth-placed Saltburn, who were last week hit by a 20-point penalty for fielding an ineligible player, slumped to defeat at home to Middlesbrough.

The visitors scored 217-5 declared with Alex Roberts again in fine form.

He faced 128 deliveries and crashed 14 fours in his undefeated innings of 101.

Colin Haslett was also undefeated and scored a half-century from 50 balls faced, striking a six and six fours in an uncompleted stand of 120 with Roberts.

Saltburn struggled against the bowling of Mattie Brown, who claimed 4-22 from six overs, and Lee Beaumont took 3-25 from eight overs as the home side were bowled out for 104 and a comfortable 113-run victory for Boro.

Redcar totalled 130-6 at home to Normanby Hall as Neil Russell top-scored with 53.

The bowlers were in control, Ramzan claiming 3-44 as professional Zahid bowled unchanged for fine figures of 5-45.

The visiting batsmen also encountered problems as Russell bowled unchanged for 18.5 overs to claim 3-55, but Normanby eventually won by two wickets.

Richmondshire took first knock at Park Drive against Hartlepool and scored 161-8 with a half-century from Andy Mollitt. Home professional Steve Chapman claimed 3-27.

The game had been delayed due to interruptions by the weather and the home reply was reduced to 26 overs.

Opener Chapman was still there on 32 when bad light brought proceedings to a premature conclusion with the Hartlepool score 66-2.

The weather prevented any play in the games at Blackhall and Darlington RA.

Division One

Great Ayton, who are challenging for the runners-up place in division one, fought out a draw at home to Redcar seconds last Saturday.

The visitors posted a target of 213-4 after their 50 overs. Mally Whitehead made the top score of 78 and Pete Wilson was unbeaten on 37 as the home bowlers suffered.

Ayton opener David Grainge then hit 69 and Glen Mudd added 37 as they reached 197-8 at stumps.

Barnard Castle dismissed visitors Marton for 67, with Dave Stanwix producing some incredible bowling figures. His 16.5 overs included 11 maidens and four wickets for only seven runs.

Marton's Chris Lane struck four boundaries in his top score of 30, then Duncan Coates made 24 as Barney won by five wickets.

Guisborough seconds travelled to Bedale and made 162-6 in their 50 overs after a succession of interruptions due to the weather.

Graham Murray made the leading score of 74 as Richard Darwin produced the best bowling figures of 4-33.

The Bedale reply was reduced to a maximum of 22 overs and opener Guy Darwin carried his bat as the innings closed at 89-2. Veteran Colin Bainbridge claimed 3-57.

Stokesley had scored 14 without loss when their match at relegated Yarm was abandoned, while no play was possible at Acklam Park, where Middlesbrough seconds were due to play second-placed Seaton Carew.

The match at Feethams between Darlington seconds and Billingham was cancelled without a ball being bowled