Esh Winning became champions for the second time in three years after winning their decider with Kimblesworth, last season's title holders. And they did it in some style with a six-wicket victory.

Sadly Kimblesworth's hopes collapsed with a series of three successive defeats after losing just once in the previous 20 games.

Esh Winning never allowed their powerful batting line-up to take root and they were dismissed for a modest 159.

Only Paul Craig (43) and Aaron Andrich (32) were able to break free from the shackles of Farukh Iqbal (3-23) and Mark Davison (3-43).

When Esh replied, opener David Lawler (64 not out) was in splendid form and led them to the championship.

Tudhoe look like finishing third after a runaway victory over Etherley, whose escape from the bottom has been largely due to the arrival of professional Shikra Dhawan part way through the season.

But Dhawan was overshadowed, for once, by Tudhoe's own overseas star, Sachin Rana, who smashed another century in an imposing total of 255 for eight.

He then took four wickets cheaply to take out their opponents for a meagre 85. Dhawan managed just 25 and Etherley lost by 180 runs.

Shildon also enjoyed a run-fest with Wilkin Mota (118) and John Paul Nash (97) sharing a partnership of over 200 against Langley Park, who with only one win will finish bottom.

Brandon's Shafiq Ahmed was another century-maker as they beat Willington comfortably.

Evenwood outplayed Ushaw Moor with Billy Teasdale junior hitting 45 and taking three wickets as he opened both batting and bowling.

The first tied game of the season produced a thriller at Mainsforth.

Both they and Crook Town finished on 161 runs with the final wicket of the game falling to a stumping.