Division One: Bishop Auckland preserved their healthy lead at the top of the table when they comfortably held nearest challengers Great Ayton to a draw.

The runs flowed when Bishops made first use of the wicket and Ayton were presented with the formidable target of 272. David Blenkiron led the way with 85, Keith Stones carried his bat for 66 and Paul Timmens ended unbeaten on 69.

David Grainge (45) and John Doyle, with a half century, dominated Ayton's response but at stumps, the home side had progressed to just 208-5 as Stuart Morgan captured four of the wickets for 95 runs.

Seaton Carew closed in on the leading pair, winning by seven wickets at Marske. Chris Gibbon, Chris Murdoch and Anthony Rewcroft all scored 25 but Marske managed only 148 all out.

Responding, Seaton were never troubled, following an opening partnership between Richard Clayton (32) and Martin Skirving (48).

Bedale made the second-highest score of the day, 246-6 but were unable to force a win over Yarm. Richard Carruthers struck 85 and opener Andrew Smith had nine boundaries adding 62.

Replying, Yarm's innings produced a total of 166-7 which included 56 by Carter. Phil Staves, with 3-44 was the most successful of the Bedale attack. Barnard Castle had seven wickets to spare defeating Redcar who finished with 174-4 when they batted first. Despite losing an early wicket, Barnard Castle were never seriously troubled as Duncan Coates, with seven fours in 48 and Michael Stanwix, whose unbeaten 49 included nine boundaries, put together a good partnership for the third wicket.

Richard Eastwood carried on the good work with 38.

Steve Donlan turned in a magnificent performance for Guisborough at Billingham Synthonia where he took eight wickets for just 47 runs in 20.4 overs, reducing the home side to 124 all out.

Earlier, Guisborough's innings posted 171 with most of the runs coming from Gary Murray (47) and Richard Murray (35).

Stokesley won by just two wickets against Middlesbrough at Acklam Park where their target was 150.

It took them 50.1 overs and victory was secured mainly as a result of the efforts of Mike Smith who struck ten boundaries, top-scoring with 68.

The game between Marton and Darlington finished as a draw.