Ashington's lead was reduced to five points when they lost to third-placed Swalwell.

Another of the top four sides, Leadgate also went down leaving Tynedale as the most likely side to challenge the Colliers in the last two games.

Swalwell kept alive their championship hopes with a 19 runs win over Ashington. Mark Cosgrove has enjoyed a marvellous first season and he again hit form contributing 74 to a big first wicket partnership with Paul Dumighan (41) which laid the foundations for a total of 194 for four.

Skipper David Rutherford with 32 battled in vain to win the game but Ashington managed only 175 for eight.

Tynedale made no mistake against Ponteland and are in with a chance of retaining the title. Gary Pratt could hardly have made a more impressive debut.

The Durham County player struck a magnificent 180 not out propelling his new side past the 300 mark. The visitors were all out for 158 in reply.

Lee Innes was just seven runs short of a century but Leadgate lost at Annfield Plain and are now outsiders for the title.

Leadgate realised what appeared to be a defendable total of 231 for five but Andrew Donnelly with 73 and John Newstead (45 not out) swept the Plain to a four wicket win.

Lanchester are relegated after losing to Benwell and Walbottle who improved their chances of staying up while Greenside are promoted along with champions Lintz from Division Two.

Greenside lost to Consett but picked up sufficient bonus points to end ahead of Whickham, winners over Percy Main in their last game.