Swalwell recorded their 15th and most vital win of the season to secure their first NTSL premier title.

And having won one game more, and lost three less, than any other team in the division the plaudits were more than deserved. Facing a tricky last day encounter at Ashington they put on a top notch display to win by 94 runs, although there will have been some concerns at the tea interval with 210 to their name against hosts who have not been shy of upsetting the top sides this year.

The day didn't start well for Swalwell as the loss of three early wickets had the nerves jangling, but then Lloyd Anderson and Marcus Peart settled things down with an excellent stand. Peart 42 (2 fours and 2 sixes), Stuart Pattison (37) and Paul Dumighan (21) then combined to take the total into the more than useful category. But Andersonâ EURO [TM]s innings of 77, which included 13 boundaries, proved to be the cornerstone of the visitors eventual 210 for eight. Paul Rutherford led the Ashington wicket takers, his four victims being the top four scorers in the Swalwell innings.

A couple of early successes raised Swalwell's tails when they took to the field, and all five bowlers got in on the wicket taking act as it quickly became apparent that this was to be the visitors day and season. But the main bowling star was Ian Pattison who sent down 15 overs, seven of which were maidens, and claimed five for 34 to leave Ashington a well beaten side and spark tremendous celebrations.

Tynedale secured the runners up berth and at the same time consigned Morpeth to an early return to Division A2 after just one season in the top division. Neil Clark blasted 134 and with Simon Prudhoe chipping in with a rapid 65 the home side declared with 277 to their name.

Despite a battling 51 from Jack Palmer it was Stuart Graham (five for 17) and Mark Armstrong (three for 29) who delivered the fatal blow to Morpeth's survival hopes as they sent the visitors crashing to a 163 run defeat.

Sacriston, fearful for their own status if Morpeth won, put up a battle before going down by 29 runs at Lintz. They had the home side in early trouble and with Martin Hubber and Ian Jones picking up four wickets each it was only Ryan McVitie (64) and Gary Christie (42), sharing a match winning stand of 80, who enjoyed any real success in their 175. A bright start to their reply by Sacriston promised much until Graeme Clennell (four for 31) and Paul Lumley (three for 32) got to work to secure Lintz a deserved fourth place finish.