League cricket in the North East was just about washed out on Saturday and by and large only those sides challenging for honours or fighting against relegation played.

The entire Premier Division of the Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League was cancelled and in Division One only Thornaby and Marton, who are fighting for the championship, succeeded in staging games.

Marton now need 14 points from their final game of the season on Saturday at home to Redcar to win the title and promotion to the Premier Division.

They were held to a draw by Bedale who were 97 for six following their 50 overs. Graham Shaw delivered 19 overs, nine of which were maidens taking four for 19 but Bedale's batsmen defended doggedly.

When they batted first, Marton realised 193 which included 69 with five boundaries by opener Chris Lane.

Thornaby had the advantage of fielding first against Guisborough who they despatched back to the pavilion in 39.3 overs for 95. Umar Rashid took four for 36 in 20 overs and David Toulson had four for 31 from 12.3 overs.

The target proved easy for the leaders who secured the maximum 20 points losing three wickets in 27.4 overs. Ian McDonald, averaging 55, ended unbeaten on 41. All three wickets were captured by Ryan Murray for 27 runs in nine overs.

Thornaby, who have completed their programme, must now await the result of Marton's last game to see whether they have succeeded in making a return to the top fight.

Only one game went ahead in the Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League and the outcome was crucial to the championship aspirations of Tynedale.

They moved into pole position defeating Annfield Plain by 52 runs at Hexham. Scott Kay (39), Richard Darling with 72 and Phillips (30) led them to 204 for nine with David Baxter taking three of the wickets.

Despite David Newstead playing a sound innings which earned him an undefeated 77, the Plain were all out for 152 as Phillips and Thomas Cant shared seven wickets.

Clubs complete the season on Saturday with Tynedale 11 points ahead of Ashington who they meet in a winner-takes-all confrontation.

There was no play in the Foster's ECB North East Regional Premier League where South Northumberland are confirmed champions for the third consecutive season.

There was also a complete wipe-out in The Readers Durham County League where Esh Winning had already been crowned champions.

No play was possible in the Foster's ECB North East Regional Premier League and South Northumberland therefore clinched the title for a record-breaking third consecutive season. They have also become the first side to complete a league and cup double.

With the weather decimating the Foster's Durham Senior League programme, only two games began.

The matches at Whitburn and Horden involving the leading sides were able to make a delayed start but both ended as draws. However, Hetton Lyons playing at Horden took sufficient points from the fixture to ensure their first-ever championship.