The fat lady has sung and Pudsey Congs have claimed their place in history, taking the crown for the third time in a row, the first team in 35 years to do so.

Victory over Cleckheaton at the weekend sent the Congs nine points clear of rivals St Lawrence and handed Matthew Doidge's men their third trophy of the season.

The already full trophy cabinet at the Britannia Ground may be in need of replacement after the all-conquering Congs completed their sweep of the regional trophies.

Only the national ECB knock-out trophy eluded them in a fantastic season in which both batsmen and bowlers have prevailed.

Leading the attack, Naveed Rana-ul-Hassan's form has left him knocking on the door of an international call-up while Neil Gill has provided more than able support.

On the batting front, strength in depth has proved the key, with runs coming all the way down to number 11.

And in front of a home crowd, victory was achieved in style despite the weather.

Playing just 30 overs a side, the Congs averaged more than a run-a-ball, notching up an impressive 191 for the loss of just one wicket.

Opener Andy Bethel came up with an unbeaten 70 while Barbar Butt weighed in with an imperious unbeaten 102 to set the impossible target.

In reply, Cleckheaton could only forge 97 for one, with Rana-ul-Hassan taking his customary wicket.

The four points from the tie earned Congs their 16th winning score of the season, 12 of which were maximum-pointers.

They lost only three games all summer, when the yips struck mid-season, but they recovered strongly despite the best efforts of neighbours St Lawrence.

Until their temporary loss of form, which included losses to both Baildon and Yeadon, it looked like the Congs could clinch their title a lot earlier in this season as they began to runaway with the title.

But it was St Lawrence, who beat Undercliffe by eight wickets yesterday, who did most to prevent that.

Lightcliffe's relegation was confirmed with a six-wicket loss at Farsley.

Dismissed by the Red Laners for 159 on Saturday in 38 overs, Farsley powered to victory with an unbeaten 93 by Ashley Metcalfe.

In other games, Hanging Heaton managed a winning draw against Woodlands thanks to 107 from opener Steve Foster.

And the matches between Spen Victoria and Baildon, and Yeadon and East Bierley were both abandoned due to rain after minimal play.