Sunderland are heading for a dramatic championship decider with the chance of ending the domination of South Northumberland on the final day next weekend.

The Wearsiders leapfrogged their rivals, who have been champions for the last four seasons, and they take a single point lead into their last match.

Sunderland had an outstanding victory over Norton as South North were held to a draw by Newcastle. It cost them 13 points and the lead but they'll be fired up for the decider at home to South Shields.

Sunderland, whose last game is against Durham Academy, had one of the county's products, Gary Scott, taking man-of-the-match rating in the defeat of Norton.

He hit a century after being set 190 to win with Alan Mustard (55) joining the run chase. Norton, with Matthew Brown (46) top scoring, looked capable at 112 for one of reaching beyond 200 but Marc Symington (5-68) and Imran Shah (4-69) had other ideas.

South North piled up the runs at Jesmond, with John Graham (48) and Adam Heather (47) producing an excellent opening stand before Chris Hewison (113 not out) took them to a formidable 278-3.

Newcastle, who made 190-7 in reply, were not overawed by reputations and even though Lee Crozier grabbed five wickets in an excellent 20 overs, Lewis Bruce (62) led a good fight and Ben Embleton (44 not out) ensured the draw.

Blaydon, who beat Tynemouth in a close finish, and the Academy, who were held by bottom club, Stockton, are battling for third place.

Blaydon's modest 141, with Graeme Bridge top scoring with 35, was enough to see off the challenge of Tynemouth.

Bridge (4-43) who had a big part to play with the ball as the home side collapsed 11 runs short.

The Academy's high-scoring Karl Turner hit another century and Uzair Mahomed added an impressive 88 as they amassed 264-5 against Stockton, who responded with 184-8 to save the match in a stubborn finish, despite five wickets from Paul Muchall.

Gateshead Fell enjoyed a second successive victory with Stephen Devenport (77), Richard Smith (64 not out) and Will Gidman (63) all hitting form against South Shields. Fell won by 99 runs as Shields were dismissed for 160 by Nicky Phillips (5-58) and Gidman (4-37).

Chester-le-Street and Benwell Hill, separated by a single point in mid-table, played out a draw.

But Chester had to battle hard with nine wickets gone in reply to Benwell's impressive total of 244-7.

Phil Nicholson (83 not out), Graeme Race (78) and David Myers (52) were outstanding for the home team before Mark Wright (3-19) and Tom Cant (3-21) almost set up the win. Chester finished on 134-9.