Champions Sunderland will have the same professional but a different captain next season.

Adam Applegarth has decided to step down as skipper but will continue to play for the Wearsiders, as will West Indian Cameron Cuffy, whose 50 wickets have been a vital contribution towards their success.

"We were very pleased to clinch the title by defeating Newcastle last weekend. We were not relishing the task of meeting Blaydon in the last game of the season with the championship still up in the air," said Sunderland secretary Mike Smith.

"After all, Blaydon knocked us out of the Banks Salver and had the better of the game at Ashbrooke which ended in a draw. They are a good team and although they play competitively, they are good sports."

Sunderland are delighted that Cuffy has agreed terms for next season. "When you consider the awful weather, he has done exceptionally well to capture 50 wickets. Obviously, he likes a firm track and there have not been too many of them around this summer," said Smith.

Sunderland are unchanged for their final match of the season at Blaydon, which means they are still minus Richie Barnes.

Despite missing out on the championship, Blaydon are delighted with what they have achieved. They have been in the running for the title most of the season and also reached the finals of four cup competitions.

Last Sunday, they lifted the prestigious Matthew Oswald Cup, defeating Chester-le-Street, and tomorrow visit Sacriston in the final of the Tyneside Charity Bowl.

Next Saturday, they have the opportunity to complete a double over Chester-le-Street in the Bass Tom Burn Cup Final.

The final of the Banks Salver against South Northumberland, which has twice been abandoned, has been held over until next season.

"We have had an excellent year," exclaimed Blaydon chairman Ken Forster. It was a real achievement to be admitted into the Premier League and few thought that we would challenge for the title and reach four finals.

"We were used to playing overs cricket and it took a little while to adapt to a new format but we have come through with flying colours and already we are making plans for next season."

Blaydon are unchanged, which means there is no place for Ben Harrison, who has returned from his home in Preston to study in the area. Craig Simpson, his deputy in recent weeks, retains his place.

Dawnley Joseph will not be returning to Stockton next year despite again enjoying considerable success. He no longer qualifies for a work permit and fixture secretary Mike Syson confirmed that the club is still considering its options.

"We are disappointed that Dawnley cannot be with us but the matter is out of our hands.

"He is no longer considered to be an international so we will have to think hard about what we should do.

"We are now playing in a very competitive league and after making a good start to the season, we faded, so we have to think about the best way ahead."

Stockton cannot call upon Grant Worrall and his place for the visit of Chester-le-Street is taken by Stephen Ward.

Norton visit Gateshead Fell and include Chris Thomas, who played for Durham in their Minor Counties days. Craig Symington has a broken thumb but Nicky Beall has returned from holiday and is the ideal replacement.

South Northumberland skipper Adam Heather is pleased with his team's progress despite failing to make a serious impact on the race for the championship.

"I was disappointed we lost a couple of matches we should have at least drawn but the lads have enjoyed playing in a higher standard of cricket," said Heather, who is minus professional David Townsend against Durham Academy at the University ground. Townsend has returned home and in addition Imran Shah and Stephen Boyd are both unavailable