Evenwood emerged as champions following the most hotly-contested race in years. And Willington, who chased Evenwood all the way, were pipped for the runners-up position which is shared by Kimblesworth and Tudhoe.

Evenwood went into their last game of the season at Mainsforth in the knowledge that victory would earn them the title for the second successive year, and they made no mistake although they conceded seven wickets reaching the modest target.

For most of the season John Maughan and Deighton Butler have caused the greatest problems to opposing batsmen but on Saturday it was David Wilkinson who produced the man-of-the-match performance.

He claimed four wickets for a meagre 20 runs as the home side were restricted to 130. The visitors lost early wickets before Wilkinson (43) joined Butler (54) in the partnership which was to sweep Evenwood to the title.

Willington had to win at Kimblesworth and needed Evenwood to slip up for them to finish in pole position. They managed neither objective, losing by 24 runs to Kimblesworth who end the season 10 points behind Evenwood and with the same number of points as Tudhoe.

Willington are fourth after being dismissed for 183 by the joint efforts of David Showler and Michael Riley who shared seven wickets. Karl Brown contributed 88 and Neil Moore added 31 to the Willington total.

Adam Cochrane (60) top-performed in the Kimblesworth innings which reached 207-8 from the 45 overs.

Shahid Anwar struck one six and 11 fours from 70 deliveries contributing 77 and David Ronson added 60 to the first wicket partnership of 110 as Tudhoe romped to 233-8 from 45 overs against Brandon.

Michael Thorpe and Dean Storey each took three wickets for Brandon who in reply, managed 168 which included 49 by Michael Thorpe. Kevin Littlefair and Tim Smalley were both in good form with the ball for Tudhoe, each claiming three wickets with Smalley conceding only eight runs.

Esh Winning, who in the early weeks of the season looked possible championship contenders, end mid table following a five-wickets victory against Langley Park. Grant Falk had one six and 10 fours in 62 as Langley posted 169-8 from their 45 overs.

Replying, Esh had seven overs to spare as the runs flowed from David Lawlor (36), David Watson with 35 and John Rippon who struck a six and nine boundaries adding 62.

Despite making one of their best scores of the season, 173, Shildon failed to sign off with what would have been their first win. Michael Parker opened with 81 and for Crook Town, Davis returned the outstanding figures of 7-42. He then carried his bat for 30 which, together with a half century from David Nevins, allowed Crook to secure their fifth victory.

Yasas Tillakaratne carried his bat for 80 leading Etherley to a five-wickets win at Sedgefield. When the home side batted first, he took three of their wickets but the formidable total of 196 was still achieved as Payne contributed a half century.