Haydon Bridge sealed the Division One title with a four-wicket victory over Benwell Hill.

A convincing 10-wicket victory over close rivals and defending champions Haltwhistle saw the Bridge edge closer towards the title, and another win on Saturday secured the trophy.

The home side won the toss and decided to put the visitors Benwell Hill into bat.

But the away side’s top order struggled to forge positive partnerships, with Kabir top scoring with 20.

Boyd starred with the ball for Bridge and took three wicket for 22 runs with Taylor’s two wickets for 28 runs also a useful contribution.

Bridge’s boisterous bowling reduced Benwell Hill to 114-8 off 335 overs.

In reply, Leadbitter’s 25 runs were the game’s top score with Taylor’s 18 not out and Kendrew’s 17 helped steer the league leader’s towards the 115 run target.

Haydon Bridge sit top of the table on 158 points with one game to spare.

Newton moved into third place after a convincing victory over Matfen.

The home side won the toss and offered Matfen the first opportunity to bat.

Matfen’s openers eased into the game, scoring 10 off the first four overs. Opener Scott lofted the ball down the ground for a six as he attacked the left armer, but lasted only four more balls before he was clean bowled.

A top score of 28 from Scott added vital runs to Matfen’s scorecard, but wickets regularly fell throughout the innings after his dismissal.

Wickets were shared between five of the six bowlers with the returning Scattergood taking 3-18. Matfen were eventually bowled out for 116 with six balls of their innings remaining.

Newton’s reply saw openers Lee and Brown batting resolutely to see through the first few overs of the Matfen bowling attack.

Brown and Taylor put on a fluent 31 together to steer the third placed side in a winning direction.

The side found themselves on 65-3 at Taylor departed, but with more than half the innings remaining the result was never in doubt.

Newton eased over the line without losing anymore wickets in the game, achieving the 117 total with eleven overs remaining.