STOCKTON missed out on their bid to lift the title. They were pipped 2-1 by Norton, falling to a last-gasp goal and although gaining a win over champions Roseberry it wasn't enough, edged out on goal difference.

The skill of Stockton's defence and excellent goalkeeping from Terri Martin kept Norton at bay but they made a crucial breakthrough when shortly before half-time captain Kim Naylor capitalised on a pass from outside the area to slip the ball past Stockton keeper Martin.

Stockton settled quickly into their game after the restart and equalised when, following good midfield movement, Bernice Monchar set up Elaine Dyer who scored.

A draw seemed the inevitable outcome but in the closing moments of the game Kim Naylor made a penetrating run and finish to rock Stockton and dash their title hopes.

Players of the match: Laura Whaley (Norton), Terri Martin (Stockton).

Stockton made sure of the runners-up spot with a 2-0 win over Roseberry who came under tremendous pressure and finally buckled, allowing Monchar to score, the chance carved out from a neatly-worked penalty corner by Cath Iley and captain Emma Renwick.

Roseberry keeper Claire Ascough frustrated Stockton with a stunning show but was finally beaten when Elaine Dyer collected a rebound for a second Stockton goal, allowing Roseberry to celebrate their league triumph and Stockton the runners-up spot.

Players of the match: Caroline Jones (Stockton), Claire Ascough (Roseberry).

Other results: Barnard Castle 2, Stokesley 3; Northallerton 2, Thirsk 8. Players of the match, Jacque Griffiths (Northallerton) and Ruth Vasey (Thirsk).

P W D L F A GD Pts

Roseberry 18 12 3 3 46 14 32 39

Stockton 18 12 3 3 32 12 20 39

Stokesley 18 11 5 2 43 17 26 38

Thirsk 18 11 4 3 52 20 32 37

Barnard Castle 18 10 2 6 42 25 17 32

Norton 18 7 0 11 25 46 -21 21

Guisborough 18 6 2 10 22 25 -3 20

Mackinlay 18 5 4 9 29 28 1 19

Northallerton 18 4 0 14 17 48 -31 12

New Dales 18 0 1 17 3 87 -73 1

Tow Law Bass League

The league doubles championship will be held at Esh Winning McKennas on Monday, April 9, with the triples championship being held at Tow Law New Market on Monday, May 14. The presentation evening will be held on Monday, May 21.

Weardale Ladies League

Results: Westgate Hare and Hounds 7 Eastgate Cross Keys 1; Blanchland Sports Club 5 St Johns Chapel Kings Head 3; Wolsingham Black Bull 4 Wolsingham Black Lion A 4; Rookhope WMC 3 Stanhope Pack Horse 5; St Johns Chapel Golden Lion 3 Rookhope A 5; Wolsingham Black Lion B 1 St Johns Chapel Blue Bell A 7; Wolsingham Mill Race 6 Stanhope Grey Bull 2; Stanhope Bonny Moor Hen 2 Stanhope Queens Head B 6.

Top scores: Mollie Readman 138 (Hare and Hounds); Wyn Sewell 131 (Black Lion A); Sharon Hague 131 (Mill Race); Christine Charlton 127 (Grey Bull); Betty Bowman 124 (Rookhope A).