This is the North East | Sport | Cricket

THE situation at the top of the league remains unchanged but with Hetton Lyons beating thirdplaced Eppleton it now looks as though the title will go to either the Lyons or Whitburn.

The position could well become clearer tonight after the two sides meet at Whitburn.

Prolific run-makers Eppleton were totally subdued by the Hetton Lyons attack. The half century by Jimmy Daley could not prevent Tom Nixon picking up four for 41.

With two wickets apiece from Ian Male, Sean Birbeck and Graeme Adey, the Lyons were left to chase just 133 to win.

Former Eppleton player Birbeck then made his contribution with the bat. His unbeaten 63 instigated the Hetton Lyons run-chase which developed into a handsome eightwicket win which destroyed Eppleton's title aspirations.

Whitburn's resolve was fully tested at South Shields after the home side had only managed 134.

It appeared at one stage Whitburn would have to work extremely hard for their win especially when Lindsay Cullen was at the wicket.

The Australian played a generally subdued innings during his 136-minute stay but he received little support. His 75 included 12 boundaries but he lost his wicket at a crucial stage of the innings when Neil Johnson capitalised.

Entering the fray as secondchange bowler, Johnson captured Cullen's wicket and four others to end with five for 18. The last six Shields' wickets fell for just four runs, much to the delight of Whitburn.

A shock in the first over saw Matthew Muchall pick up two wickets and at 11 for three, Whitburn's task looked more formidable. However, a half century by Ashley Thorpe supported by skipper David Bell took them to their four-wicket win.

After Barry Dews hit 43 for Burnmoor, there were runs down the order against Seaham Harbour. Neville Gustard and Matthew Young (3-49) were rewarded for their efforts but the Moors' attack was more potent.

Teenager Alex Ludlow ripped into the Harbour batting taking the first four wickets to fall. At 35 for seven, there was no way back for them though. A combined bowling effort by Burnmoor meant their opponents were dismissed for just 71.

Horden, after a poor run, salvaged a draw against Seaham Harbour. Thanks mainly to Nadeem Khan (84) and Carl Watson (45) they emerged with five batting points totalling 227 before declaring.

The tall order was always too much for Seaham Harbour. Despite runs from John Pendlington (54) and Gary Burlinson (49) they could only end on 166 for three wickets.

Boldon collected only their second win of the summer with a narrow two-wickets win against Marsden. After an early loss of three wickets, the Marsden innings gained its substance through Mark Scott (49) and Gary Lancaster (31).

The pair added 67 together but both succumbed to Philip Shakespeare. With three wickets apiece from Graham Fox and Gareth Smith, Marsden were all out for 146.

Only Orlanzo Jackson (30) had runs early on for Boldon as David Wills (4-52) presented problems. At 82 for six wickets, when the final hour began, Boldon looked a beaten side.

However, a late rally led by Jamie Priestley (33 not out) enabled Boldon to win with seven balls and two wickets remaining.

At the bottom of the league, Durham City's victory at Felling took them to within four points of their rivals. Felling had no answer to City bowler Christudas who picked up six cheap wickets in an economical spell and were dismissed for a modest 98.

Durham then found similar problems in scoring their runs.

Early-order batsman Tom Meredith contributed 42 as Chris Pleasants (3-21) placed his side in a possible winning situation.

However, late resistance from Neil Duffitt and Brian Stone enabled Durham to scramble to victory.

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