A DAY that started badly for Stokesley ended in delight as they hammered Hartlepool by 140 runs to move to within five points of NYSD Premier Division leaders Darlington.

Batting first they lost their first three wickets with just eight on the board, but James Weighell went on the counter attack hitting 69 from 89 balls, and this changed the course of the game.

With James Beaumont playing the anchor role with 70 from 134 balls Stokesley made 200-7.

Pools were then blown away by a career-best bowling performance from Richard Chandler. He ripped out seven Pools batters at a personal cost of just 11 runs, with seven of his 14 overs being maidens, the visitors collapsing to 60 all out inside 30 overs as Stokesley went into second.

Darlington held onto top spot courtesy of Bangladeshi Test player Rajin Saleh whose unbeaten 92 guided the Quakers past Marton’s total of 193-8.

Former player Matty Brown rubbed salt in home wounds as he added a half century to the successful run chase.

Great Ayton slipped down to third when they were held by Marske, this despite a 136- ball century for South African run machine Nick Hendrie.

After Saturday’s drubbing, champions Richmondshire bounced back in emphatic style led by skipper Gary Pratt, who blasted his personal club best of 170, an innings that included 17 fours and five sixes.

The Dalesmen posted an eye-watering 297-6 which proved too daunting for Middlesbrough who were rolled over for 89 as Craig Swainston (5-20) and Shaun Charlton (3-33) ran through them.

Barnard Castle had to work hard to earn their third win of the campaign, new boys Seaton Carew pushing them all the way before going down by two wickets.

Seaton were bowled out for 127, but they hit back hard as Danny Evans claimed four wickets from his 17 overs.

Simon Tennant proved Barney’s trump card as his 99-ball 56 steered the hosts to victory in 41 overs.

Redcar hauled themselves off the foot of the table when they knocked off a challenging target of 178-7 set by Sedgefield.

Muhammad Saad played a perfectly-timed innings of 86 not out, hitting eight fours and a six and easing the Seasiders to a three-wicket victory with just three balls of the match remaining.

In the Durham Cricket League, Burnmoor turned on their best display to date, and in so doing tipped former leaders Dawdon out of top spot. Stephen Meek scored his maiden ton for the club, cracking 15 fours and three sixes in his 105, and set a target of 200-6 Dawdon were bowled out for 124 as Owen Lancaster claimed five wickets.

Crook Town started the day in bottom position, and when they were routed for a paltry 57 by Evenwood they looked set to stay there, but in a dramatic turnaround the visitors were shot out for a meagre 45 as bowlers reigned supreme.