Richmondshire 1sts notched up another 25 point win at Stokesley on Saturday.
Helpfully, Stokesley decided to put Richmondshire in to bat and with Gary Pratt (81 not out) again anchoring the innings, they ran up 211 for 4 in their 50 overs.
Steve Reeves contributed 41 and Matty Price a quick fire 27 from 21 balls in the last few overs.
Stokesley had got off to a reasonable start and were 98 for 2 when Craig Marshall came on to bowl.
An inspired spell of 7 for 27 from the spinner then plummeted them to 128 all out.
The twenty five points leaves Richmondshire just five points behind next weeks opponents Middlesbrough, with Saltburn in second place three ahead of Richmondshire. Since their win against Richmondshire two weeks ago Marton’s form has plummeted with a second defeat in a row, this time to lowly Thornaby.
The 2nds had that rare event in a cricket, a tie. Playing Bishop Auckland 1sts at home the visitors chose to bat first and put on 198 all out. Richmondshire got off to a good start in reply and looked comfortable on reaching 168 for 3 with a partnership between Tom Spensley (68) and Joe Shields (39) putting on 89.
The departure of these two sparked a collapse but the tail nearly struggled home for the win.
Four wickets going down in a frantic last two overs, the last being captain Kevin Forbes from the penultimate ball, with just one needed for a first league win of the season.
The 4th team returned to winning ways after last weeks set back at Maltby. Putting Preston-on-Tees in to bat the amount of swing for the bowlers made batting difficult.
Preston were dismissed for 73. Adam Heseltine taking 3 for 4 and Michael Platt 3 for 16.
In their reply Richmondshire lost five wickets and it was 29 not out from Richie Carruthers, in his first knock of the season, that kept the innings together. The win puts them up to second in the league but some way behind leaders Stockton.
The 5ths also won at Middleton Tyas. Choosing to bat first Tyas put on 116 for 7 in 30 overs. A patient 57 from Mike White contributed the bulk of the runs as Richmondshire completed the win in 24 overs.
