Lintz are firmly on course to clinch their first championship in two decades after they defeated close challengers Lanchester with ease.

They quickly completed their first task in reducing the visitors to only 114 and despite losing four wickets for 32 runs, Lintz quickly celebrated a crucial victory.

Gary Christie struck a six and eight fours in an unbeaten 51 and David Nevin contributed 35 to the unbroken partnership for the fifth wicket which produced 84 runs.

Lanchester's innings never gained momemtum and Graham Clennell, with five wickets for 35 runs from 15 overs, was a thorn in their side.

There was further good news for Lintz in that Ashington, who went into the programme in third position, lost by four wickets to Swalwell, who made it three wins out of three.

Ashington found the going difficult when they batted first and their total of 131-9 was always vulnerable. Stephen Humble returned excellent figures of 5- 42 before top scoring with 32 to set up his side's four-wicket victory.

Sacriston's hopes of winning the title receded further when they lost by one wicket to Burnopfield. Imran Abbas led the reply with a half century, Andy Peart hit a six and six boundaries in 48, and Damien Hall maintained the momentum scoring 30.

The runs also flowed when Sacriston batted first and both Phil Shield and Stephen Ball passed 50 which, together with 45 by Tony Claughan, raised Sacriston to the formidable total of 219-4 in 50 overs.

Annfield Plain maintained their interest in the destination of the championship despite being hard-pressed before overtaking Tynedale's modest total of 125. David Snowdon and Aldo Van den Berg both claimed four wickets before Van den Berg's 72 was critical in the Plain's two-wicket win.

Shotley Bridge also won narrowly with 17 runs in hand of Benwell & Walbottle. Graeme Angus, with 5-61 and Brown (4-28) pegged the Bridge to 135-9 but when Dominic McCabe, David Jackson and Neil Burdon also struck form, the visitors were all out for 118.

Consett have a mountain to climb if they are to escape relegation.

They lost by seven wickets to Ryton, who improved their own chances of staying up. Needing only 95 after Docherty and Atkinson had shared nine wickets, Ryton were indebted to Keiron Powar for his half century.

Leadgate look unstoppable for the championship of Division A2. They saw off the challenge from second-top Newcastle City by three wickets to maintain their 100 per cent record from games actually played.

Sean Ackermann, with 5-20, restricted City to 104 and although Leadgate lost seven wickets, they were never seriously troubled as opener Ackermann carried his bat for 55.