Just when it appeared that Ashington might pip Tynedale for the championship along came relegated Whickham to cause the biggest upset of the season.

Whickham had not won in 19 attempts and when the Colliers posted 171-8 the outcome looked a foregone conclusion. But Charles Coventry reserved his best performance for Ashington and when he took 98 off their attack, Whickham sensed success.

Chris Davidson added a crucial 33 before being run out and Whickham celebrated a seven wicket win. Earlier, Neil Wood, Ross Sample, Greg Williams and Paul Rutherford all made at least 30 for Ashington but the day clearly belonged to Whickham.

Tynedale had cause for a double mini-celebation. They defeated Newcastle City by ten wickets and are 21 points ahead of Leadgate, who leapfrogged Ashington into second place.

Stuart Graham and Richard Darling shared nine wickets as Newcastle were reduced to 101 before Tim Adcock (31 not out) and Scott Kay (63 not out) completed a crucial victory.

With two games to play and 40 points at stake, Leadgate are still in with a chance. Bilal Rana and Masood Mirza shared seven wickets at Swalwell before the former contributed 32 and Rana an unbeaten 60 to a seven wickets win.

At the bottom, Lintz have a lot to do to avoid the drop after losing by just four runs to Lanchester.

Burnopfield defeated second-top Ponteland and are promoted as champions from Division A2. Ponteland need nine points from their last game to beat off the challenge from Backworth for the second promotion place.