THEY were pushed all the way, but Belsay kept their nerve to be crowned Division Two champions.

Just six points separated them and runners-up Stamfordham in the end as they picked up vital victories in the run-in, but it was Belsay's final day triumph over Stocksfield IV which secured Division One cricket in 2018.

Both Belsay and Stamfordham went into the weekend on the back of nervy wins the week before, the former edging out Corbridge Millers by one wicket on the second last ball and the latter clinging on by one run against third placed Mitford B.

But it was more plain sailing this time around, Belsay keeping their heads and powering to a formidable total of 200 for their hosts to chase.

They were off to a solid start as captain Allan Johnson and fellow opener Jonny Hedley geared them to 59 without loss within 16 overs.

When they fell, Johnson to a catch by Sam Douglas off Katharine Dixon, and Hedley to a delivery from Sam Jolly, Jasper Gray and Jack Fenwick continued the fine work with the bat.

Fenwick was particularly impressive as he went on to pass his 50, hitting six fours before finally succumbing to the bowling of Nomi Numan.

When Gray was out, caught by Mike Haywood off Ridley, Fenwick struggled for batting partners as Ridley added a second wicket, and Numan and Matty Tobin got two each.

Craig Bertram and John Fraser saw out the innings, setting a good score of 200 as all 40 overs were able to get played.

Scoring was steady for Stocksfield in reply as Phill Bewick and Stephen Smith made 22 until the latter became the latest victim to Dan Tait. The bowler struck again to see off Numan, but not before the dangerous looking Bewick was dismissed by Chris Townson.

Tobin, his captain Andrew Newton and Sam Douglas all chipped in later in the order, but they were always behind the run rate as Belsay cranked up the pressure.

Hedley and Fraser both took two wickets and Bertram one, but they weren't able to end with maximum points as a stubborn Stocksfield order as they refused to lose their last wicket.

Stamfordham gave Belsay a real scare towards the end, but their eight wicket victory over Hexham Leazes II proved in vain as a result of their rivals' triumph.

Leazes were put into bat first and got off to a steady start courtesy of Tony Crosby and Matt Joyce. However, Richie Gledson saw both of them off, with Crosby caught by Lonsdale.

Damon Watts and Simon Richardson then pushed the score on as they geared towards 100, but Will Rutherford claimed the wickets of Watts and Harry Fitton either side of Richardson's run out to put Stamfordham in a commanding position.

The hosts had their eyes on the prize and stalwart Donkin was keen to get the runs knocked off in a hurry as he hit eight fours and a six to record his half century.

After Angus Patterson was lbw to Rob Willis, Benn Horncastle joined Donkin and he upped the run rate with five fours and a six of his own.

The pair brought Stamfordham to within touching distance of their target, but Donkin was to be denied an unbeaten stand as he was bowled by Trevor Cessford.

It was over to Horncastle and Joe Lonsdale to fire the side to victory, securing the victory on the second ball of the 23rd over.

The season ended on a sour note for both Wark and Allendale II as they conceded their fixtures with Medomsley and Corbridge Millers respectively.