SHERIFF Hutton Bridge confirmed their status as division five champions after defeating nearest rivals Cawood by three wickets.

Cawood had to win in order to keep their hopes of claiming the one solitary promotion slot alive. They made an poor start as Joe Richardson (4-29) ripped through the early order. Richard Nicholson then hit 67 to boost the Cawood score to 117.

The target soon became more threatening as Bridge lost wickets at regular intervals, with most of the damage being done by Nigel Bartram (5-55). However, he lacked support and it was fitting that Bridge skipper Dave Ellis should hit the boundary which both clinched victory and the title.