THE two leading sides in the Darlington and District League went head to head twice in the space of four days last week - and it proved a bittersweet experience for both of them.

The Division A Knockout Cup final enabled Middleton St George to keep their hands on the trophy they won last year as they defeated fierce rivals Barton by 25 runs. The Saints put on 147-6 as Simon Rogers (43) and Joe Lincoln (42) shone despite Danny Shoulder's four wickets.

And Shoulder had a hand in the second innings, top scoring with 31. But this was a lone effort for Barton who crumbled to 122 all out in the face of a fine bowling spell from David Glew, who brought five batsmen's stay at the crease to a sticky end to finish with the impressive figures of 5-24 - so impressive they won him the man-of-the-match award.

Three days later the pair were locking horns again, this time with the league leadership at stake. And for Barton it was a case of clear revenge as they won by 24 runs to not only leapfrog to the top of the table, but also end the Saints unbeaten record.

And the names in the frame were familiar, with Dave Glew (4-50) and Mo Nadeem (3-38) looking to have restrained Barton to a gettable 166-7, and then the "Danny boys", Shoulder (4-55) and Porritt (3-23), upsetting the Saints' applecart as the former leaders lost their lustre for 142.

The result meant that Barton ended the day one point clear at the top of the table - as well as being the only side left in the top flight with an unbeaten tag.

That result opened up the top of the league for the other challengers as well, and Rockliffe Park took full advantage as they hammered hosts Raby Castle by 89 runs to move to within 11 points of the top slot.

It was runs down the order that helped Rockliffe after they lost their first four batsmen for just 26 between them. Mark Swanwick's 39 at number six being followed by 47 from number nine Richie Snowden. Park ended on 173, Nick Jones picking up a five-wicket haul for Raby.

Castle then crumbled in the face of a triple assault as Ian Potts (3-39), Arvind Shetty (5-27) and Michael Bean (2-8) bowled them out for 84.

Michael Bredenkamp was once again in tremendous form, hitting another century to end undefeated on 101 as Lands piled up 225-4 against Ingleton who were then routed for 63. Dean Cummins enjoyed a purple five-over spell in which he claimed five wickets for just 12 runs, and did the hat-trick in the process.

Meanwhile Anthony Coatsworth was another centurion as Middleton-in-Teesdale defeated Catterick by 147 runs, a six-wicket haul from Mattie Gill set up a seven-wicket victory for Cockerton against Barningham, and Aldbrough won at Haughton by 50 runs.