The first NEPL play-off produced a remarkable game in which South Hetton dragged themselves back from the depths of despair to secure a 39-run victory over Mainsforth and retain their place as a First Division side.

After finishing 59 points adrift at the foot of the table, South Hetton were granted a second shot at salvation when it was decreed that DCL champions Esh Winning failed to meet the criteria for automatic promotion, leading to a play-off was necessary between the bottom NEPL team and the side finishing runners-up in the DCL.

When Hetton crumbled to 18-5, their last-gasp attempt to avoid relegation looked as good as over, however, with the front line Mainsforth bowlers having used up their nine-over allocation, the home team fought back. Nathan Adamson hit ten boundaries in an unbeaten 72, and Hetton managed to scramble up to 158 before their final wicket fell as Nathan Wall claimed three late wickets.

Jonny Barnes (3-14 from nine overs) and Martin Lower (2-19 from nine overs) had been the men looking likely to propel Mainsforth into the NEPL, but with a bigger target than expected to chase the DCL side’s batting fell apart after a decent start, seven wickets falling for 54 runs as the score went from 24-0 to 78-7.

An eighth-wicket partnership of 35raised hopes of a another twist, but then the last three wickets crashed for just six runs with the despondent visitors bowled out for 119.

Extras contributed 32 of that total, with 24 coming in wides, and the top scoring batsman making just 16.

Tony Murphy picked up 3-31 in his nine overs, while Steven Massey justified his inclusion with a couple of crucial wickets for the ecstatic victors.