SCENES like no other were witnessed at Shotley Bridge as the the hosts tried to get their title deciding game with Tynedale on.

After heavy rain, the table toppers attached flame throwers to gas bottles to try dry out the pitch as they turned to desperate measures in pursuit of their second league title in the space of three years.

A section of the pitch was turned deathly black as what grass was left on it was singed into oblivion, before being covered by almost half a ton of sawdust.

However, their monumental efforts proved a waste of time in the end as the umpires were unmoved and their shot at the title, as well as Tynedale's opportunity to claim a highly prized fourth spot, was lost.

Instead, it was Swalwell, who Tynedale had defeated to knock off top spot the previous week, who capitalised and clinched the championship, their 173 run thrashing of Lintz seeing them take top prize in fine style.

Tynedale slipped one place to finish fifth as a result of Ashington's victory over bottom side Ponteland, but it has been an excellent season for the young side whose main objective was to simply in the division!

Tynedale II were able to get their game with Shotley Bridge played at Hexham, but it ended in defeat as they went down by six wickets.

They set Shotley a target of 132 to win with captain Mark Clark top scoring on 42 and Richard Darling making 26.

Shotley reached their target in even time despite the loss of four wickets, Darling taking 2-23 ahead of his retirement.

One game remains for Tynedale as the title winning U18 team go for the double when they host Whickham in the league cup final on Sunday, at 2pm.