AFTER a few near misses, Hexham Leazes went all the way to clinch a first Northumberland Women's League title.

They finished ahead of reigning champions Corbridge Angels after topping the split league system introduced for 2017, overcoming their rivals to lift the trophy.

Often a victim of the weather, it was Leazes' turn to benefit from the conditions with Corbridge frustrated to see two of their final three games cancelled to Hexham's one.

The new league structure saw all 12 teams play each other once, with the top four, middle four and then bottom four split into mini leagues.

And Corbridge had a slight advantage of one point over Leazes after 11 games played, which their rivals made up after a win, defeat and cancellation overcoming the Angels, whose only game in the final mini league saw them defeat Hexham.

But Leazes accumulated more points over the course of the 14 game season to finally get their hands on the elusive silverware.

Captain Wendy Martin, of Ninebanks, said: "We're really pleased and we have three juniors at 13 and 14 years in Matilda Foreman, Abi Marrow and Zoe Newton who have come through and been our main bowlers and they have done well, backed up by Jade Makarski."

Looking to build on the success, Hexham Leazes Women are on the look-out for new players and sponsorship ahead of the 2018 season.