On winning the toss Stockton elected to bat first under clear skies, but were soon doubting their decision.

With the score at just six Matthew Muchall managed to get one to rise sharply and catch the edge of Guy Darwin's bat through to wicketkeeper Jim Gaff, who caught the ball above his head.

The pitch facilitated an excellent contest between bat and ball, as was illustrated by Karl Turner through a series of cover drives and leg glances after he receiving a let-off early in his innings when he played on to a Matthew Muchall no-ball; the cry of anguish from the lofty seamer signified to the spectators the importance of the Durham county player's wicket.

Turner, supported by South African Brendon Adams, was threatening to make Shields pay, until two strikes in quick succession stopped the Teessiders' innings in its tracks.

After Paul Muchall bowled Adams for 19, Wightman nipped one back at Turner that took the inside edge through to Gaff, who dived full length high to his right to take a stunning one-handed catch.

The stunned visitors never really recovered from this setback as the ruthless Pet Supermarket-sponsored side turned the screw.

Stockton skipper Richard Waite's limpet-like qualities stood between Shields and a position of true supremacy; as the home side upped the ante the batting side played and missed with increasing regularity.

Waite survived a raucous appeal for caught behind off Wightman, but the incredulous Shieldsmen regrouped and Matty Muchall quickly accounted for James Ward (the first of three catches for Shurben).

Paul Muchall then claimed the prize of Waite who appeared surprised by the bounce that induced a false shot off the shoulder of the bat – gratefully accepted by Michael Dunn at point.

Stockton lost two more wickets to Matty Muchall before lunch to leave them reeling on 101-7.

After the break, the paceman claimed his fifth of an innings that was brought to an end on 121 by two wickets from Paul Muchall.

Despite the early loss of Shurben, Shields remained refreshingly positive in the chase. Paul Muchall hit an unbeaten 74 from 85 balls, 60 of which came from boundaries.

Geoff Cullen's innings of 28 bore the hallmarks of quality until it ended in a somewhat tame manner, but by the time he had returned to the pavilion, Stockton were a spent force.

A series of boundaries from Muchall and Lee Whalley ended the contest before the tea interval, much to the delight of the Wood Terrace crowd.

Meanwhile, the second team were in deep trouble at 26-3 in reply to Stockton's 235-2 declared.

However, Chris Watson, who hit an excellent 57, found vital support from captain Anth Marshall, who was undefeated on 39 at the close.

Sam Embleton joined Marshall at the crease to steer Shields to the draw.

The second team are in action on Friday night when they travel to face Boldon CA in the Tom Blair Cup.