THE league and cup double is the first step in Allendale's ambitious plans to become the best cricket club around.

Their convincing 47 run victory over Hexham Leazes at the weekend secured the league championship with one game left to play, earning the first team the double for the first time in the club's history following their capture of the KO Cup in July.

The team missed out on both in 2016 by finishing runners-up in both, but they have regrouped and come back stronger, even if a falling out between key members of the squad threatened to derail their season.

Now they are hoping to use the first team's success as a catalyst to bigger and better things.

Tim Raglan, who started the season as captain until demoted due to his involvement in the bust-up, has been a key player this term, and he remains so as he helps drive the club on behind the scenes.

He said: "It's been a brilliant year, especially the latter half when everybody has chipped in to secure the results. We had a well documented slip up in June, and it looked like we could have been in real trouble.

"But we all put it behind us and concentrated on the task in hand, and we have won both trophies for the first time. I think that shows we have been the best team in the league in terms of consistency and performance.

"As well as our success, we have hosted seven county games, been one of a few to host All Stars Cricket for youngsters, got a women's team, raised lots of money and are looking at many new developments.

"Hopefully, we can defend both trophies next year and build on our juniors and women's sections, and it's fantastic what we have achieved.

"We're looking to build on that and bring our juniors through to help our second team, and we want to become the best club in the West Tyne League. Allendale is a club on the up!"

To confirm their title, Allendale again batted well as they set an imposing total of 231-9.

Elliot Corbel has returned to the club in great form as he posted 67, while John Welch carried on his form from his maiden century to make 61.

There were also cameos from Ross Laidlaw, who made 32, and John Raglan, who reached his 20s, to put Allendale in the driving seat.

Allendale were without key bowlers Liam Pringle, Geoff Sparke and Sale brothers Charles and Rory, but they did have Ricky Flanagan in good form as he marked his promotion from the second team.

Leazes batted well to make 180-4, but they were never up with the required run rate and they watched on as Allendale were presented with the league trophy.