MISTLEY are the new champions of the North Essex Cricket League.

The Swans claimed the top-flight silverware for the first time since 2010 after rivals Colchester slipped up in the final weekend of action, however, they did not have to bowl a ball to collect the title.

Mistley had been due to face Wivenhoe at Rectory Road in their last game, but the hosts conceded the fixture to hand the points to the Swans and leave Colchester knowing they would have to win their final outing of the campaign to reclaim the top spot.

Colchester were due to travel to Wivenhoe the following day and the hosts were able to play the fixture this time, but it was not the ending that the visitors were looking for.

Wivenhoe scored 184 for five before bowling Colchester out for 179 and an agonising five runs short of the total they needed to claim the division one crown for a third consecutive year.

That defeat meant Mistley stayed at the summit and there was further disappointment for Colchester as they not only surrendered the top spot, but also dropped out of second place as well to end the season sitting third in division one.

It was Frinton who jumped above them into the top two behind Mistley as they took the points from their final game after Halstead conceded a fixture for the third time this season.

In division two, the title had already been claimed by Great Horkesley ahead of the final weekend of action, but second-placed Eight Ash Green ensured they concluded their campaign in style.

Having missed out in the race for the top spot, Green were able to console themselves with a big win against Witham.

Keith Hammond claimed bowling figures of four for five as Witham were restricted to 130, 72 of which came from the bat of Jack Sambrook, and that proved little trouble for Eight Ash Green to chase down.

James Parker hit an unbeaten 60 and Hammond concluded a profitable day by making 59 not out as Green romped home by ten wickets.

Division three saw a disappointing end for Great Braxted & Tiptree as they were forced to concede a game for a fourth time this season.

This time, it was to Chappel & Wakes Colne, who finished second in the third tier, but there was action at Little Bardfield Village as the hosts finished with a 124-run win.

Daryl Hymas and Peter Stone both scored centuries as the home side made 306 for four, before Ardleigh were restricted to 182 for seven in their reply.