Four of the six games in the Foster's Durham Senior League survived the weather with Eppleton, Horden and Hetton Lyons all enjoying victories, but leaders Burnmoor had to fight to prevent their first defeat of the season.

They were visiting winless and second bottom Durham City, when a last-wicket rearguard action was required. City totalled 140 with Subhan Christudas (32) top scoring after Mike Thursfield (three for 21) provided problems.

When Burnmoor replied there was little sign of the struggle ahead as Brett Pelser (34) and Neil Young (20) took the score along steadily.

But Peta Verco (four for 38) and Colin Myers (three for 11) got to work to have them in considerable trouble on 125 for nine, the last pair surviving a nerve-racking six overs.

But with second-placed Whitburn unable to play at Seaham Harbour, Burnmoor extended their lead by six points.

Hetton Lyons moved into third place with an impressive eight-wicket win over South Hetton, who they bowled out for 79. Des Beach (3-17) and Stewart Walker (3-21) did the damage before Sean Birbeck (29 not out) and Walker (28) guided them to victory.

Horden beat Marsden with Graham Smith making 55 and Adam Dixon in all-round form with 36 and four wickets. Martin Fearon top scored for Marsden with 44 as they posted 162 but Horden won by five wickets.

Felling suffered a batting collapse at Eppleton and lost by 119 runs. The home side totalled 226 for six with David Tate (78) getting excellent support from Gary Braithwaite (48) and David Lowther (44). But once Felling lost Mark Douglas (45) their reply crumbled and they were all out for 107.

Etherley took a huge step towards escaping from bottom spot in the Readers Durham County League when they won at Willington.

It was only their second victory in 14 games with Shikra Dharwan batting throughout the Etherley innings for 68 out of 132 before taking three wickets for six runs.

Kimblesworth, the leaders, and second placed Esh Winning continued their close liaison at the top by each winning for a ninth time. Kimblesworth posted 190 for seven, but it needed five wickets from Ryan Moralee to make sure Brandon did not mount a late fight back. They finished on 150 for nine with Andrew Oreb (48) top scoring.

Esh Winning had a slightly narrower victory over Mainsforth by 29 runs.

Brian Yearwood (92) led the way with a brilliant knock for the visitors only to find his colleagues unable to give him support with ix batsmen out without scoring, including the top five.

Two outstanding five wicket hauls saw Evenwood race to a nine-wicket victory over Shildon Railway who suffered a batting disaster. They were all out for 53 with Anubam Sanclecha (five for15) and Billy Teasdale (five for 28) bowling unchanged.

Tudhoe replaced them in third place with a six wicket victory over Langley Park with Kevin Littlefair (eight for 13) impressing. He clean bowled five of his victims and his outstanding analysis was among the most impressive anywhere this season. Park managed just 70 but they hit back to take four quick wickets before Chris Glasper (40 not out) wrapped up the win.

Only one game was hit by the weather on Saturday with Ushaw Moor unable to play as the Hylton ground was unfit.

The 3D Sports Durham Coast League suffered most, but two of the six matches did survive. Washington took the batting honours as they played out a draw with Easington scoring 176 for seven. with Brian Daniel (five for 56) showed fine form for Easington.

Boldon piled up the runs against Dawdon posting 203 for seven and then declaring with Brian Conlon (45) and Gary Critchley (41) setting the tone. Dawdon were clearly content to settle for a draw as they finished on 131 for four after 33 overs.