Northallerton's runaway train dash up the divisional ladder has been temporarily sidelined.

But they will be one of the main challengers for promotion next season.

The club's first team joined the league four seasons ago, successively winning promotion in Division Six, Five and Four.

But this season the team has been pipped for promotion spots in Division Three by Ripon, who finished as champions, and Thirsk A, promoted as runners-up.

Northallerton finished three points adrift of their Thirsk rivals.

Northallerton's efforts against the two promoted sides produced clashes of fluctuating fortunes but were all very close.

Ripon lost one match 5-4 to Northallerton, but won the return by the same margin.

And it was an action replay of scorelines when Northallerton faced Thirsk.

The battles involving the three sides were some of the most keenly fought during the past season.

Despite missing out on promotion Northallerton did finish the term on a winning note, beating Harlow C 6.5-2.5 away.

Match scores - Harlow C 2.5 Northallerton 6.5 (Northallerton names first): Graham Iveson and Margaret Fenwick beat Rowland Hom and Thelma Ottaway 6-2 6-4; beat Alex Rymer and Ruth Colston 6-3; beat Gary Ede and Pat Nash 6-3.

Malcolm Southam and Sue Pratt lost to Hom and Ottaway 3-6; lost to Rymer and Colston 3-6; beat Ede and Nash 6-2 6-2.

Philip Norwood and Jackie Wonders beat Hom and Ottaway 6-4 6-4; beat Rymer and Colston 6-4; halved with Ede and Nash 6-3 4-6.

Northallerton have made few changes from the side which embarked on its Harrogate League challenge four seasons ago, being skippered to success by Jackie Wonders.

Meanwhile its A team, captained by Malcolm Southam, which joined the league in 2002 successively won promotion from Division Six and Seven. But they finished third in Division Four this time.

Northallerton B team have just completed their debut season, following in the footsteps of other club sides by winning promotion from Division Six at the first attempt. They finished level on points with Starbeck A who took the title on a better rubbers' average than Northallerton.

An ever present in the Northallerton B team this season has been John Topham, who has posted an 84 per cent winning record.

Division One: Harlow 5.5 Spa 3.5; Harlow 4.5 Harrogate racquets 4.5.

Division Three: Harlow C 2.5 Northallerton 6.5.

Division Four: Dacre A 8 Northallerton A 1; Harlow D 2.5 Dacre A 6.5.