Blaydon won the championship but not before they were involved in a nerve tingling tie with Consett. Had Blaydon lost, Burnopfield would have finished in pole position.

Consett totalled 152 for three which included 86 by Ian Steward, who hammered five sixes and seven boundaries in his 86. Replying the result was on a knife edge as the last over approached and amid great excitement Blaydon also ended with 152 for the loss of four wickets on the board. Anthony Baker had boundaries in 36 and Ryan Latimer recorded four fours scoring 30.

Burnopfield were in regular touch to find out how Blaydon were getting along and there was great disappointment when they first of all defeated Lanchester and then heard the news from Blaydon.

When they made first use of the wicket, Burnopfield ended with 138 for eight of which Mark Stoneman contributed 52 while for Lanchester Kevin Dixon claimed three for 34.

When they went into bat, Lanchester were always in with a chance but following the dismissal of Mark Ramshaw for the game's top score of 68, the innings ended with 126 four four on the board.

There was a second tied match when Shotley Bridge and Lintz also shared the points.

Required to score 86, Lintz ended on 85 for nine, losing their ninth wicket from the final of the game. Stephen Smith top scored with 29 and in the Shotley Bridge attack, Mark Grinter, Gareth Crinnion and Andrew Barnes all took a couple of wickets.

When Shotley Bridge batted first they finished with 85 for five which included 37 by Barnes with a couple of boundaries while for Lintz Richie Moody was in splendid form with the ball taking four for only 28 in five overs.

Crookhall made the huge score of 200 losing just two wickets when they hosted Sacriston who were 126 for seven at stumps.

Stephen Foster recorded four sixes and seven boundaries in 74, Paul Ringer had three sixes and as many fours in an undefeated 52 and David Richardson struck two sixes and four boundaries adding 37.

Responding, Sacriston were indebted to Martin Hubber who found the boundary on three occasions scoring 45. Craig Burke carried his bat for 22 with three boundaries and in the Crookhall attack, Daniel Stewart captured three wickets for 24 runs in five overs.

The Whickham batsmen were also among the runs in their home game with Greenside. Eyes scored his first 100 for the Under-18 side when he slammed three sixes and 14 fours for just 70 balls, ending with 100 not out. Adam Cree contributed 25 to the Whickham total of 165 for three and in reply, Greenside were 105 for five when time was called.

Stephen Fudge had one six and six boundaries in 43 compiled from only 37 deliveries. Suraj Ali was 21 not out and for Whickham Adam Ainley took two for 18 in five overs and Cree had two for nine from his three over spell.

Cleveland League

Two games in Division One failed to start because grounds were unfit following rain earlier in the week but Norton were one of four clubs who enabled to stage their match.

Hinderwell were the visitors and Norton lost by seven wickets after posting 109 for nine. Mark Swain was in splendid form with the ball for Hinderwell and in 23 overs eight of which were maidens he returned the outstanding figures of six for 55. Steyert took three for 26 from his five over spell.

When they went into bat Hinderwell's first three batsmen reached double figures but not one of them passed 20 and it was Bowes who became the match-winner when he carried his bat for 51, in hitting three sixes and five boundaries.

Normanby Parklands had 70 runs in hand of visitors Jack Hatfields after realising 174 for seven from their allotted overs. Three wickets went down cheaply before Watchmen who went in at number three, struck a half century and partnered Shoaib (40) in a productive partnership which laid the foundations for Normanby Parklands match-winning total.

Jack Hatfields also conceded two early wickets but Pierce raised their hopes scoring 42 batting at number three. Shoaib, however, became the match-winner with the ball for Parklands when he claimed five wickets for just 35 runs and the innings ended on 104 all out.

The match between Skelton Castle and The Merlin ended in a draw. Runs were scarce and when the home side made first use of the wicket they ended with 112 for nine which included 44 by opening batsman Manns.

Towards the end, Gratton finished unbeaten with a valuable 20 and for The Merlin Moss claimed four for 58 runs and Mullen two for 40.

When The Merlin replied they were grateful to Pacitto fir his undefeated 29 which steered his side to 78 for seven at stumps.

Grant was in good form with the ball for Skelton Castle taking four for 22 and he was ably assisted by Jones whose two wickets cost just 27 runs.

Loftus a were also held to a draw when they visited Staithes who at stumps were 100 for eight needing 166 runs for victory. Horn, who opened the innings, was still there at the end and there is no doubt that he was the anchor man in the Staithes reply. Despite taking five for a meagre 20 runs, Morrison failed to earn Loftus victory.

Batting first, Loftus were indebted to Dixon (40) Whitwell (34) and to Barritt, who top scored with 44 in an all out total of 165. A Theaker returned three for 53 and Sayers had four for 25 in the Staithes attack.

There was no play in the game between Dormans and Boosbeck and Ormesby Hall versus Greatham Paragonians.

Just one game went ahead in Division Two and Moorsholm ended five wicket winners over visitors Normanby Parklands.

When Parklands batted first, they laboured through 30.4 overs and the highest contribution to their all our total of 60 was extras on 21. Stuart Ward sent down nine overs in the Moorsholm attack claiming three for 15 but it was Neil Allison who took the eye and his 12.4 overs, four of which were maidens earned him six wickets for a miserly 20 runs.

When they replied the Moorsholm batsmen also found run-making difficult and it took them 27 overs before achieving victory. They were indebted to man of the match Allison who carried his bat for 24 with four boundaries while for Normanby Parklands' Fox claimed four of the five wickets to go down for 21 runs in 13 overs.

The other three fixtures at New Marske, Dormanstown and Blacksmiths Arms were all called off without a ball being bowled.