Murton crushed

Runs were in short supply throughout but despite totalling only 129, the home team won by the handsome margin of 85 runs.

Tony Banks and Richard Ede were the match-winners. Banks took six of the wickets for 25 runs and Ede conceded just 18 runs for his four victims. Calvin Stephenson, with 5-41 and David Naunton (3-39) put Murton into a good position at the half-way stage but Castle Eden responsed perfectly.

Murton, who have led the table for much of the season are down to third with Seaham Park second.

David Hanson, with an unbeaten 77 and James Taylor (52) figured in a century third wicket stand after two wickets had fallen cheaply and the target of 181 was met for the loss of just three wickets.

Batting first, Bill Quay realised 180 all out. Jeff Tudor maintained his excellent form with 54 and in the Park attack Ian White, Richard Howe and Michael McNicholas all took three wickets.

Silksworth are fourth after overtaking the Houghton total of 133 for nine with seven wickets to spare. Jon Grant struck eight boundaries in 47 with Chris Pringle and Stephen Wright sharing seven wickets. Silksworth's reply was decisive and Paul Smailes recorded an unbeaten 72.

Peterlee's batsmen managed just 68 runs at Dawdon, for whom Michael Ewart had the outstanding figures of 7-43. Michael Watson (62) and Ryan Consitt (38) laid the foundations for Dawdon's 200-plus total with a productive partnership for the second wicket. Paul Griffith and Dale Butler took seven wickets between them in the Peterlee attack.

Karl Bellerby made 80 of the Boldon CA total of 232-9 at Easington, for whom David Kennedy captured five wickets and hit an unbeaten 38. Gary Ward added a useful 40 as Easington replied with 152-4 to draw.

Peter Lyall (63) and Mark Lee with 38 provided most of the runs in the Washington total of 177-9. Craig Smith took five for 44. Ryhope replied with 141-8, which included 40 by John Minniss.