IT WASN’T the way they envisaged doing it, but nevertheless Eppleton were singing in the rain as they were crowned NEPL First Division champions on Saturday.

With virtually the whole of the programme obliterated by the torrential morning and early afternoon downpours, Eppleton knew they were home and dry after news came through that Washington’s game at South Hetton had been abandoned with only three overs of play possible.

Meanwhile, their game at Boldon suffered a delayed start, the match eventually getting underway some one and a half hours after the scheduled time. The home team decided to bat after winning the toss and looked to be building a useful platform after advancing to 35 without loss, but then the wickets began to tumble as the Eppleton bowlers got the scent of blood, Paul Davidson bagging four victims and Joe Dodd picking up two.

With Boldon tottering on 63-6 after losing five of those wickets for just 15 runs, the rain then closed in for the last time, the players scurrying from the field after 18.2 overs of play. The abandonment came shortly afterwards with Eppleton already knowing they were sure of the silverware.

Not one other game managed a start in the top two divisions, with the last Premier fixture list of the season being a complete washout, something that brought a sad and soggy end to Blaydon’s unbroken 15 year stint as a top flight side. In the final analysis they were caught out by their own dismal form which had seen them win just once in the previous 16 matches, this coinciding with Gateshead Fell’s annual rise from the ashes, their salvation secured in a last gasp run of four wins in 5 matches.

In the First Division it has been known for a number of weeks that South Hetton would finish bottom – they ended 59 points adrift of the team immediately above them, Sunderland. But all may not be lost – normally Hetton would be on their way into the Durham Cricket League, but they may just be thrown a lifeline.

They face a nervous wait to learn if Esh Winning’s bid for promotion from the DCL is successful. That is in the hands of the NEPL executive who must come to a decision as to whether Esh meet the promotion criteria. If they determine otherwise then South Hetton will get the chance to fight for their survival, with a home play-off match against Mainsforth this coming Saturday.