Elland, Holmfirth, Meltham and Honley were joint-holders of the previous record, and for much of the season it seemed Golcar would deny the reigning champions a fourth title.

However, needing a maximum six-point win to make sure of lifting the Byrom Shield, Golcar fell to a four-wicket defeat on the Premiership season's final day, while Honley took all six points off Barkisland to come through.

Golcar had to be content with third place, Elland's nine-wicket win over Skelmanthorpe taking them into the runners-up spot.

At the other end of the table, Meltham and Holmfirth escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth, Shelley joining already relegated Lascelles Hall and Emley Clarence in the Conference next season.

Honley will point to their two victories over Golcar during the season to back their credentials as worthy champions and they were much too strong for Saturday's opponents Barkisland. Paceman Harlon Haye (5-46) and Bangladesh Test spinner Enamul Haque Jnr (3-43) helped to oust the visitors for 117 in 44.3 overs, Honley going on to win by six wickets. Batsman Simon Kelly dominated with an unbeaten 59, including eight fours. James Sykes and Steve Whitwam enjoyed an opening partnership of 79 for Golcar who struggled to 152-9 against tidy bowling by Melbourne Austin and Arron Lilley.

Micklehurst won by four wickets, Qaisar Rashid leading the way with 41. Ryan Robinson made 43 and took four wickets in Elland's nine-wicket win at Skelmanthorpe who were bowled out for 97.

Shelley had a nine-wicket win at Lascelles Hall but it wasn't enough to save them from relegation. They finished on the same number of points as Holmfirth who escaped the drop having recorded more six-point victories.

Holmfirth snatched the point they needed to escape the drop, losing by 26 runs against Delph & Dobcross for whom Kamran Mirza took 6-25.

Broad Oak yesterday won promotion to the Premiership by defeating Marsden after losing last year's play-off final to Clayton West.