Sheriff Hutton Bridge and York II had all to play for in the race for the first division title with the former going in to the last game with a 12-point lead.
Both sides found themselves batting first and each posted massive scores, Sheriff Hutton Bridge making 296-8 against Driffield and York reaching 268-4 before declaring after 43 overs against bottom-placed Stamford Bridge.
However, the second halves of the two games could not have been more different as Sheriff Hutton Bridge bowled themselves to the league title, while York found suffered a shock defeat.
A good team effort by five Sheriff Hutton Bridge batsmen set up the crucial victory, P Scaling topping the list with 76. Paul Oldfield made 62, Craig Hunter a rapid 40, Steve Crowder 30 and wicket-keeper Dave Gilbertson 35.
The visitors' early batting was blown away by Nick Scaling (4-53) and they were dismissed for 126 as Sheriff Hutton earned the full 30 points to confirm their immediate return to the top-flight.
At Clifton Park, Aussie Sean Hunter hit his fourth century of the season when he made 119. John McGrady added 86 and James Pringle chipped in with 29 before York opted for declaration after 43 overs having amassed a seemingly impregnable 268-4 against bottom-placed Stamford Bridge.
The relegated side then turned form upside down as they mounted a successful run chase with the knowledge that they had 53 overs to reach their target.
Ed Sykes hit 58 and Dave Chaplin 36. Australian Stuart Boyle went past the 50 mark for the ninth time as he added 62 and then Andy Milner (48) and Mark Fairweather (31) made good contributions. Brendan O'Donovan took 3-32, but Stamford won by three wickets.
Crayke got the better of a draw with third-placed Goole Town but failed to gain the extra nine points which would have enabled them to escape relegation.
Skipper Jon Wright made 53, Mark Hutchinson 41 and Eric Watson 36 in 190-6. Norman Pipes then took a season's best 6-39 to undermine Goole's response but Town held on for a draw at 163-8.
Updated: 11:53 Monday, September 15, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article