Lanchester are just about home in their challenge for the title.

They now lead Newcastle City by 61 points with only three games to play and cannot be caught - unless City win their appeal against the ten points, which were docked from them earlier in the season.

But regardless of the outcome of the wrangle, it is just a question of time before Lanchester celebrate.

They took another step towards their objective defeating Backworth while Newcastle City were beaten at Sacriston. Backworth, who are all but relegated, managed only 115-8 as Banda with 4-31 and Farukh Iqbal (3-24) caused them problems with their spinners. Phil Carlin, who has been in tremendous form since his return from Iraq, carried his bat for 36 in a seven wickets victory. It is all but over for Newcastle City, who went down by 41 runs to Sacriston.

Stephen Ball batted throughout the home side's innings, ending unbeaten with an excellent century, which together with 48 from Tony Claughan and 80 not out by Harry Hubber, propelled Sacriston to 243 for the loss of only one wicket.

City's reply contained a number of useful contributions, but not one big enough to trouble the home side and when man-of-the-match Ball weighed in with four wickets the reply ended on 202.

Tynedale are third with their eyes on the runners-up position. They were required to meet a target of 234 by Leadgate and rose to the occasion when Scott Kay was another player in the league to reach three figures. Neil Clark added 56 and Paul Pickworth a useful 32 to a four-wickets victory.

Stand-in professional Umar ended unbeaten on 117 and David Richardson contributed 54 to the Leadgate total of 233 for four. Shotley Bridge could end second after their win over Ashington.

The Colliers posted only 143-9 before Mark Stoneman with 62 and Paul Dumigham (37 no) led Swalwell to victory.