With their seventh win in nine games, Marton moved a step closer in their bid to outpace leaders Hartlepool as they eye up their second championship crown in three seasons.

Unbeaten for nine weeks, they had one of their most spectacular victories over once mighty Middlesbrough, and with Richmondshire losing unexpectedly, they now sit just behind Pools ready to plan their late assault over the final five matches.

Pools rediscovered their best form to win for a second week and with the Dalesmen dropping to third after defeat at the hands of Barnard Castle, they doubled their advantage at the top to 14 points.

Twists and turns among the title hopefuls were matched by added drama among those clubs fighting for their Premier Division status. Marske again shook the relegation dice, gaining a 14-point winning draw against Stokesley to push Northallerton, who they beat the week before, closer to being axed.

The Seasiders made their second highest score of the season when Gary Lynch (85) and Chris Allinson (65) shared a stand of 121 to set them on the way to 237-9. They were 180 for one, but in his second spell Stokesley's new professional, Gurshwin Rabie grabbed six for 24. He finished with six for 64 as Marske lost their last eight wickets for 57 runs. Stokesley replied with 212-7 with half centuries from Will Brown and Jonny Weighell.

The Seasiders narrowed the gap between themselves and Northallerton, who lost at Great Ayton, from 12 points to just four. Northallerton only managed 151 as David Grainge (4-39) and Ian West (4-44, including three wickets in six balls) took control for the villagers. Then Stephen Pennock (53 not out) won the battle with Jon Barnes (4-27 from 19 overs with 12 maidens) to see Ayton home by four wickets.

Bottom club Bishop Auckland lost heavily at Billingham and are now 18 points from safety. They were bowled out for 106 with Martin Cull (4-40) and Stuart Lobb (4-51) at their best.

Lobb (42 from 23 balls) also shared the batting honours as the Synners totalled 182-9 with Craig Symington more cautious with 44 from 106 balls.

Middlesbrough, not safe in fourth bottom, were skittled out for 85 by Marton at Acklam Park. It was one of their former players, Mattie Connolly (5-36), who started the batting procession, and professional Upul Indrasiri (3-5) who finished them off. Marton had amassed 208-9 with Lee Hodgson (77) and Wally Ghauri (66) finding the boundary 14 times.

Hartlepool's pro, Kasun Bodhisha, produced a superb afternoons work with a half century and six wickets as victory by 19 runs was achieved against Guisborough. Jonny Spillane (63) was left without partners as the visitors were unable to take advantage of the excellent bowling from Chris Nicholls (5-43) and Enamul Haque (3-39) which kept Pool down to 142.

Richmondshire fell from grace again as Gary Pratt made an unbeaten 85 from 125 balls to give Barnard Castle victory by six wickets. The Dalesmen made a challenging 178 with James Clarkson top scoring with 53, although Richard Borrowdale (4-47) kept them in check.

Normanby Hall ended a run of three defeats with a win over Darlington where Janaka Gunarathne hit an immaculate unbeaten century the 19th in the league this season and his third. It came from 118 balls with nine fours and three sixes. Rival professional Rajin Saleh hit 70 for the Quakers.