SALTBURN clinched their first championship since 1979 in style after dismissing Darlington for just 25 runs at Feethams.

After the visitors declared with their score at 146-7 after only 45 overs, Pakistani professional Maujashim Rashid claimed six wickets for a paltry six runs in 14 overs to help secure victory by a massive 121 runs.

No Darlington batsman reached double figures as Adil Ditta and captain Tony Bell also chipped in with two wickets each.

Last season's champions Bishop Auckland took the wooden spoon and a relegation spot following their defeat at the hands of runners-up Redcar.

They were dismissed for 59, with 16-year-old Australian Mark Cosgrove taking 4-19 in 11.5 overs and captain Mick Easton 3-13 in his 11 overs. Opener Martin Hood then carried his bat for 30, striking five fours, to lead his side to a seven-wicket triumph.

Thornaby batted first on their visit to Northallerton and were indebted to opener Phil Merryweather (31) and Chris Metcalfe (41 not out) as they could only make 128-9 in their 50 overs. Richard Chandler, who bowled unchanged, and George Kay each claimed three wickets.

The home club, who have re-engaged Jonathan Barnes as professional for his eighth consecutive year next season, were rewarded with a match-winning innings of 56 by Barnes which helped them to a close three-wicket win. Thornaby off-spinner Mark Bell claimed 3-23.

Guisborough travelled to Richmond and bowled the home side out for 93 after winning a vital toss. Chris Witton made a top score of 33 and Mark Layfield scored 24.

The Guisborough reply was not without problems as Pakistani professional Umer Rashid bowled unchanged to take 4-33, but they eventually won comfortably by five wickets to secure fourth place.

Graham Shaw, unbeaten on 27 batting down the order, struck a massive six to win the match.

Middlesbrough made sure of third place after beating Marske by 44 runs at Acklam Park. They posted a respectable 178-7 in their 50 overs, with the leading scorers captain Danny Evans (34) and Liam Plunkett (41). Visiting captain Stuart McKay claimed 3-51.

Professional Stewart Hutton made a top score of 60 opening the Marske innings, but his colleagues struggled and they were all out for 134. Youngster Alex Roberts once again proved his tremendous potential by claiming 5-28 in his 11 overs, while Lee Beaumont bowled 9.5 overs to return 4-39 as he mopped up the tail.

At Brinkburn Road, Darlington RA's match with Blackhall was cancelled.

Division One

First division champions Barnard Castle signed off the season in style when they entertained Wolviston and scored 149-7 in their allotted overs.

The bulk of the runs came at the top of the order, with openers John Ashworth (43) and Justin Hesp (35) supported by captain Mike Stanwix (48) at number three. Jimmy Jones claimed 4-48 for the visitors.

Wolviston's runs were shared down the order and they were dismissed for 127 as the champions won by 22 runs. Dave Stanwix took 3-37 and Andrew Toulson claimed 4-50.

Northallerton II batted first when they travelled to Stokesley and made 105 as Chris Knock bowled 17 overs, which included six maidens, to claim 4-38. James Umpleby and Ian West shared the other six wickets equally.

Home opener David Fall then crashed eight fours and one six as he carried his bat with 70 to lead his side to a comfortable seven-wicket win.

Great Ayton were all out for 173 at Seaton Carew with openers Alan Cook (76) and David Grainge (46) sharing a stand of 117. Veteran Dave Alsop and Kevin Rowntree each claimed three wickets and Brian Rider took 4-22.

The home side struggled and were dismissed for 126 as Ayton won by 47 runs to claim third place in the table. Andrew Doyle junior, Doyle senior and David Baillie claimed three wickets apiece.

At Park Drive, Billingham batted first and scored 177-6 in their allocated overs against the Hartlepool second team. Opening batsman and captain Dennis Wing made a top score of 76, while Hartlepool veteran Jerry Boyd claimed 4-37.

Opener Alan Jackson made an unbeaten 69, but the Pool innings closed for yet another draw with slow left-armer Martin Cull taking 3-35.

Middlesbrough's second team were dismissed for 89 when they travelled to play the Marske second string, for whom John Morrison (6-49 in 17 overs) and James Carroll (4-27 in 14) both bowled superbly.

The home batsmen just reached their target, losing nine wickets in the process. Paul Cook (3-36) and Janisar Hussein (3-20) were unlucky to be on the losing side in this close encounter.

Marton took first knock when they entertained Darlington II and posted a total of 167-8 in their 50 overs. Opener Phil Gaynon made a top score of 73 and Chris Dent claimed 3-31.

The visitors struggled against the bowling of Mark Foster (6-26), but they held out to draw at 127-9. Phil Whiteside made 32.

The game between Guisborough II and Yarm at Fountains Garth was abandoned without a ball being bowled