NETHERFIELD have been crowned champions of the Northern League Division One.

The team secured their first title since 2017 with a five-wicket win over Settle on Bank Holiday Monday, capping off a decisive weekend that also included a narrow three-wicket victory over Leyland.

Ben Barrow’s side clinched the championship with one game to spare, thanks in large part to their triumph over second-placed Leyland on Saturday.

In the crucial match, Netherfield restricted Leyland to 160-9 from 36 overs in a rain-shortened game, then chased down the revised target in 33.4 overs, finishing on 160-7.

Netherfield’s bowlers set the tone early, with Josh Wills dismissing Reiss Carrington, caught behind by Richard Everett.

Xander Eyre and Lloyd Tennant steadied Leyland’s innings, taking the score to 72 before Netherfield regained control.

Sub-professional Dushan Vimukthi removed Tennant, caught by Barrow, before Wills struck again to dismiss Sam Oldham, also caught behind by Everett.

Vimukthi ended with figures of 3-34, including the wickets of Jacob Wright and Andrew Makinson.

Oli Wileman then claimed the key wicket of Eyre for 65, and went on to finish with 4-25 as Leyland closed on 160-9.

In reply, Reece Irving and Richard Everett put on a 92-run opening stand to give Netherfield a strong start.

Leyland fought back, with Jacques and Hurt taking key wickets to leave Netherfield at 153-7.

However, Charlie Parkinson and Bertie Medhurst guided their side home, reaching 160-7 in 33.4 overs.

On Monday, Netherfield sealed the title with a comfortable win over Settle.

Vimukthi took 4-14 and Wileman 3-6 as Settle were bowled out for 76 in 36.2 overs.

Settle made Netherfield work for the win, but Medhurst’s unbeaten 17 and Will Beeden’s 10 not out saw them reach 77-5 in 28.5 overs.

Netherfield will round off their title-winning campaign against Kendal on Saturday.

It marks the club’s first Division One title since 2017, following a consistent and disciplined season under captain Ben Barrow.