Murton became champions for the fourth time in five years, and for an historic eighth occasion, by beating closest rivals Castle Eden, who had to settle for the runners-up prize for a second successive year.

The clubs were separated by two points at the start with Castle having enjoyed season long supremacy. But Murton took the visitors' batting apart then raced to a seven-wicket victory.

The spearhead of Joe Dodd (five for 24 from 19 overs) and Calvin Stephenson (four for 28) tied their opponents in knots and only a seventh wicket partnership featuring Alan Unsworth (33) and Richard Ede (25 not out) saved them from an even bigger drubbing.

Six wickets had gone down for 30 when the pair came together but, despite the rally, Castle were bowled out for 94.

Bill Quay finished third, even though they were held by Dawdon in a high-scoring duel. The home side posted 187 for nine with opening bowler David Coates starring with the bat. He made an unbeaten 36 at No 10 after opener Anthony Watson (33) might have expected to finish as top scorer.

Eight wickets for Bill Quay's David Brown was an outstanding contribution but his team-mates couldn't press home the advantage. They finished on 175 for six, 11 runs short, with four of their batsmen scoring freely. But Carl Stephenson (four for 40) kept Dawdon in the game for a share of the points.

Peterlee ended without a victory after Silksworth inflicted a 14th defeat. They were bowled out for 114 by Stephen Wright (four for 38) and Mark Forster (five for 10) before Wright (35) and George Bevan (31) saw the visitors home by six wickets.