There could hardly have been a more dramatic finale to the season!

At the end of a pulsating day's cricket just one point separated three sides at the bottom and despite being the only one of the trio to win, Lintz are relegated because they won one game fewer than Sacriston.

They went into their fixture against Annfield Plain knowing nothing less than victory would give them a chance of staying up.

Lintz achieved their objective when they overtook the Plain's total of 118 with three wickets intact as the Clennell brothers, Stuart and Graham, and Anthony Ward produced form with the bat.

Lintz then had an anxious wait for the Sacriston result. Their rivals required seven points against Shotley Bridge to end level with Lintz and although they lost, Sacriston took seven points.

After claiming three bowling points when the Bridge ended on 229-7, Sacriston required a minimum score of 200 to collect four batting points and following a nail-biting finale they totalled 202-5 from their 50 overs. In the event defeat did not matter.

Annfield Plain ended just one point above the pair in what has been the most exciting conclusion to a season for many years.

Whickham, who were relegated some weeks ago, ended with a 10-wickets victory at home to Lanchester.

Tynedale are champions while the challenge for the runners-up position ended with Ashington and Leadgate equal on points and with the same number of victories although Leadgate lost three games fewer than the Colliers.

Burnopfield, who had a free day, won the Division A2 title and Ponteland, seven- wicket winners over Blyth, are also promoted.