MATFEN Hall ended a great season as runners-up in both the league and KO Cup.

They fell short of capturing the Division One title for the first time since 2010, but were just 11 points off double-winning champions Allendale as they ended with victory over Stocksfield .

Guided by their talented New Zealand duo Alex Tait, who topped the division's batting averages for the year, and Will O'Brien, they mounted a serious challenge until Allendale wrapped up the trophy with a game remaining.

Nevertheless, Matfen wanted to sign off with a bang with second place almost a certainty, and they did just that with a comprehensive victory on the final day.

In a game reduced to 35 overs per side after a heavy rain shower, Matfen were under way through O'Brien and Tom Scott who put on 36 for the first wicket despite several further rain interruptions.

O'Brien remained at the crease when Scott departed, but he was caught at long-on by Richie Mannion off the bowling of Trevor Walker.

Aaron Rourke, who claimed the wicket of Scott, and Jonny Tobin, who dismissed Mark Irving and Max Stephens for ducks, bowled good spells during their seven overs.

Tait continued his excellent form and signed off his West Tyne participation with a sixth consecutive league 50, scoring 72 in 84 balls as he hit six fours and a six.

At the other end, Ian Pilkington was as consistent as ever and helped form a partnership of 90 in super quick time.

Tait wasn't able to see out the innings as Peter Walker took two stumpings off captain Ali Thirlwell as Matfen chased the runs, the same fate befalling Jock MacDonald.

Pilkington wasn't to be beaten though and made 47 off just 35 balls.

Aaron Tiffin opened with a fiery spell and yorked Tobin third ball, and he was unfortunate not to add to his haul. Sister Ellie moved the ball well both ways and went for only 19 runs off five overs.

O'Brien took over and excelled with the ball as he took three wickets for just five overs, having Mannion caught at long-on, clean bowling Graeme Tolchard and taking a return catch off Alex Roney the following ball.

But it was Kelly Withycombe who ended the season with the best bowling average, finishing with two more wickets which included a great running catch by Stephens at long-on to dismiss top scorer Adrian Marrison.

Scott bowled Thirlwell, and the points were secured when MacDonald took the final two wickets of James Tolchard and Peter Walker.

Newton were denied a fifth-placed finish as Haltwhistle ended on a high note.

While an expected title challenge died off in the early exchanges of the season, Halty were keen to finish with a victory and they recovered from a shaky start for maximum points.

With Dave Archbold in good form with the ball for Newton, Carl Bell, Chris Veever and captain Graeme Lee were all disposed of. Dan Parker was also an early casualty, Chris Wilkie taking the important wicket.

However, Michael Parker joined Phil Thompson at the crease and he made the team tick, his knock in the middle spearheading Haltwhistle to victory in the third last over.

Thompson scored at a more steady rate, but Parker opened up and his final score of 74 saw Halty pass the total of 115 set by the visitors.

Jonny Wallace was the star for Haltwhistle during Newton's innings, his opening spell causing all sorts of problems for their top order.

Wallace took the wickets of four of the top five, seeing Wilkie, Zack Brown and Jonathan Bennett out for ducks. Wallace's involvement wasn't over there, though, and he scored the run out of danger man Andrew Jeffery.

The number two was the only batsman to enjoy any real joy, with John Armstrong and Dan Parker both taking two wickets.

Lewis Swallow ended Newton's innings by bowling Howard Lawrence, the total set in the sights of Parker snr.

Hexham Leazes signed off with a 43 run success over Haydon Bridge after posting 228-5 in their innings.

Lucas Holmes and Ben Thompson both hit half centuries to boost the score, with Andrew Whitaker's 38 proving useful too. For Bridge, Mick Cunningham took two wickets and Gavin Boyd and Jamie Taylor one each.

Cunningham went on to pass his 50 as the mainstay of Haydon's innings, but they were all out on 185 despite Robert Gibson making 33 and Tom Waugh 25.

Leazes captain Dan Toward claimed four wickets on the final day, with Billy Kingman ending with two.

Newcastle III weren't able to field a team for their home game with fellow strugglers Wylam , the scheduled hosts dropping down to Division Two on the back of nul points.