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Whitburn's lead at the top cut

Whitburn saw their lead at the top cut to nine points when both Eppleton and Hetton Lyons won against South Shields and Durham City respectively.

The leaders lost 70 minutes play at the beginning of the game at Horden and this had a bearing on the remainder of the match.

Whitburn began shakily and lost Neil Ayre with the score on seven. But with Ashley Thorpe next at the crease the score quickly mounted.

With Paul Shields providing admirable support, Thorpe was able to accumulate rapidly. The partneship realised 155 before Shields' innings ending on 65.

Thorpe finished unbeaten with 109 in as many balls, with 14 fours and a six, and Horden were left with a daunting task.

After losing two wickets quickly any challenge became impossible and survival was then their objective.

Eppleton rallied superbly at South Shields where the home side struck early reducing Eppleton to 79 for five wickets. Shaun Bradbury (60) led the revival.

They eventually reached 184 with Matthew Muchall returning 6-37 from an accurate spell of bowling. Shields looked well set to challenge the total, when at the start of the last hour they needed 100 with seven wickets intact.

But when Michael Fishwick departed Shields' batting crumbled to the left-arm bowling of Elliott Hughes (6-22).

Hetton Lyons were always in command against Durham City. Sean Birbeck (74 not out) and Marc Hopkinson (63) led the runmaking and City were asked to chase 158. Gary Adey (5-53) and Tom Nixon (3-17) were always in control and the Lyons won handsomely by 69 runs.

Seaham Harbour prevailed over Felling in a high-scoring game. Graeme Wright (12 fours and four sixes) needed just 69 deliveries for a quick-fire 97 and Felling declared after ensuring five batting bonus points.

The Harbour were far from fazed with the challenge. David Leslie (68) and Martin Gill (66) added 125 in an opening partnership and set their side up for the seven-wicket victory.

Burnmoor controlled the game against Marsden from start to finish. Although Chris Mann (42) and Simon Curtis provided Marsden with a secure start, Gary Brown (6-29) soon had them struggling.

Ian Conn's assistance with 4-42 meant Burnmoor required a modest 113 to win.

Neil Young (38 not out) and Mark Robson added 71 together in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand and the points were Burnmoor's.

Boldon faced South Hetton and the Boldon innings was dominated by professional Orlanzo Jackson.

In an unbeaten century Jackson hit 15 fours and a six before the declaration was applied on 217.

South Hetton then made a tremendous reply. John Leslie (62) and Ashok Patel (32) added 54 and then runs down the order kept South Hetton in the hunt. But, 15 runs still separated the sides at the close.

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