This is the North East | Sport | Cricket

The leaders looked to have bowled themselves into a strong position after Burnmoor openers Chris Ellison (40) and Barry Dews (80) had put on 80 together.

At 145 for six Horden seemed to have done the hard work.

However, Martin Thursfield and Mark Blunt offered staunch resistance and the Moors reached a more respectable 196.

Runs were not easily acquired and Horden entered the final hour on 88 for four.

With their target too distant they plumped for survival.

Seaham Harbour posed few problems for a Whitburn side that dominated the proceedings.

Although the Harbour began at a brisk rate they found themselves struggling at 57 for five.

Youngster Ian Elliott, although expensive, collected three early wickets before Paul Cook and Ashley Thorpe joined the attack.

They collected three wickets apiece as only one Seaham player hit double figures in a total of 63.

Whitburn's main threat was the weather but Paul Shields (33) carried his bat to see his side safely to an eight-wicket win.

South Hetton, without skipper Bob Steel, found runs difficult to come by against Hetton Lyons.

Only John Pendlington (40) caused any real resistance. Tom Nixon (6-22) and Des Beach (4-41) were in control as Hetton Lyons chased just 101 for victory.

This came from 18 overs, Shaun Birbeck hit ten fours and a six in his unbeaten 55 and was supported by Marc Hopkinson (36 not out).

Durham City needed all their overs in making their way to 145 against Eppleton. City had contributions from Prased Deshmukh (42) and Paul Lowe (32) but their total always looked within reach.

An unbeaten half century by David Lowther assisted by Jimmy Daley (31) provided a comfortable eight-wicket win.

Only seven runs separated Boldon and Felling with the former picking up 20 points in a fluctuating game.

Grant Forster (62) held the Boldon innings together but when he was dismissed at 116 for six, they still had much to do.

A bright unbeaten 33 from Byron Longstaff enabled a declaration at 178. After a delay due to rain, Felling found themselves on 55 for five and looking favourites to plummet to defeat.

Skipper Graham Wright had other ideas. Along with Daryl Warden they added 70 and were well-placed when Wright (76) was out.

Graham Fox came in and in five overs, his 3-9 ensured the seven-run win.

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