LANCASHIRE completed the formality of wrapping up their first Northern League title in 11 years but Northumberland made them fight all the way in the final match at Gosforth.

They were virtually assured of the title before a ball was struck because they had a far superior ‘goal difference’ than nearest rivals Cumbria.

But skipper Bill Bromilow, in his first year at the helm and with the Northern Counties Championship already in the bag, told his charges he would not settle for anything other than a win.

“I wanted to keep our 100 per cent record and the lads did me proud,” he said after a 10-8 victory.

“We looked like going 4-2 down in the foursomes but rallied to share the points but we were also pushed hard in the singles.”

Yorkshire finished bottom of the league for the first time since it was formed in 1984 when Cheshire beat them by a point at Prenton.

Meanwhile, Lancashire, the champions in 2006 and runners-up last year, had settle for third place in the English County Boys' Championship at North Devon.

The Red Rose youngsters lost to Surrey, who retained their crown, and Warwickshire before beating Cornwall 6-3 in the final match.