Adam Applegarth, who led Sunderland to the first Foster's North East Premier League Championship, was named player of the season after the awards ceremony held in the members' lounge at the Riverside, Chester le Street.

Applegarth took 39 wickets at the cost of 16.7 runs apiece. Norton's Neil Fox, with 704 runs and an average of 58.7, was named the second team's player of the year.

Durham County chairman Don Robson was the principal speaker and he said that the Premier League would enable young players to play at the highest level. He forecast that within five years the competition would prove hugely successful and that excellence and standards would be considerably improved.

Chairman Alan McKenna claimed that it had been a tremendous achievement to create a Premier League in the North East and he paid tribute to both the Durham and Northumberland cricket boards as well as the respective leagues for releasing the eleven clubs which now compete in the premier league.

He revealed that sponsors Scottish and Newcastle Breweries and the Banks Group had both agreed a three year deal.

The First Division championship trophy was presented to Sunderland's Adam Applegarth who has announced that he is standing down as captain of the Ashbrooke side next season although he will continue to play.

Richard Kirby, of Chester-le-Street, received the Second X1 trophy and the former Sunderland player Ken Pearson was awarded the Banks Bowl which is competed for on a knock out basis by second elevens.

The final of the Banks Salver between Northumberland and Blaydon will be played next season.

It was pointed out that no fewer than 23 of the scheduled 110 games in the first division did not start because of bad weather and that a further 16 were brought to a premature end.

The situation was even worse in Division Two. No fewer than 26 matches did not commence and 13 were abandoned.

l There should be fewer draws in the Durham Coasts League next season after clubs agreed to limit the first innings to 50 overs. A new points system will also be introduced. In future, the sides will be awarded 20 points for a win, 10 for a tie and five for a draw. In addition, bonus points will be awarded for batting and bowling displays.

It was also agreed that an average of 17 overs per hour would be bowled and clubs failing to meet the requirement will have points deducted.

In future, all matches cancelled, including a full programme, will not be replayed, and despite a proposal from Hylton, games will continue to be played on bank holidays.

l Malcolm Pratt has returned as chairman of Durham Senior League club Philadelphia and will combine the role with that of president which he has held for many years. Other officials elected at the annual meeting were vice chairman, Gordon Graves, general secretary John Pratt, cricket secretary Shaun Moore and treasurer Arthur Potter.