Two sides who had not won all season, waited until the last day before finally celebrating.

Houghton's unexpected victory at Easington enabled them to leap-frog Peterlee at the bottom.

For much of the game though it appeared that Ian Hauxwell's side were on their way to another defeat. Easington posted the formidable total of 195 which included 67 by David Kennedy and Houghton were in deep trouble until Gary Robinson and captain Hauxwell joined in a ninth-wicket partnership.

Robinson ended unbeaten on 39 and Hauxwell finished with 44 not out as the pair steered their side to a two-wickets victory despite Dane Wilson taking five wickets for just 36 runs in the home attack.

Seaham Park, too, also won for the first time. Their target at Bill Quay was a more modest 140 and a half century by Michael McNicholas saw them to a three-wickets success.

Chris Pleasants, who has enjoyed a good first season with the Quay and Chris Smith both took three wickets.

When they batted first, the Quay totalled only 139 all out which included 36 by Andrew Trotter and 35 from Smith. James Taylor, with 4-30, top-performed in the Seaham attack.

Ryhope end runners-up to Murton following their last-day draw at Dawdon.

Cavin McNicholas (31) and David Coates (30) were the leading runmakers in the useful Dawdon total of 180 with Graeme Smith claiming five wickets for 75 runs.

David Hanson batted throughout the Ryhope reply, finishing with an unbeaten 40 but the target was never within sight and the innings limped to 132-4 by close of play.

Champions Murton ended as the only unbeaten side when they drew at Hylton. The game marked the retirement of Keith Trotter and he signed off in style scoring an unbeaten 37 and taking five wickets for just 25 runs.

Brian Conlon added 36 to the Hylton total of 168 as Murton used ten bowlers.

They then re-organised their batting order and were 99-7 at stumps.

Silksworth, who only a few weeks ago were serious contenders for the title, have ended sixth from top after suffering a nine-wickets defeat against Castle Eden.

Allan Unsworth has had another superb season and he took 8-41, reducing the Wearsiders to only 73. Michael Higgin and Unsworth then completed a nine-wicket victory.