Steeton got the big innings they were hoping for from Nathan Geisler but still crashed to a defeat at home to North Leeds which saw the Division A championship slip from their grasp on the final day.
Steeton took only four points from their last five completed games while Kirkstall hit top form, picking up 30 out of their last 36 to edge to the title by four points.
Geisler's early form played a big part in putting Steeton ahead of the pack and, after a couple of lean months, he returned to his best to hit 81, taking his seasonal tally to 853 at an average of just over 47.
But the rest of the batting faltered against the bowling of Tom Hudson (5-53) as Steeton were restricted to 165 for eight, a total North Leeds passed with six wickets to spare.
That left Steeton needing Adel to hold Kirkstall to a draw but the side who have climbed through all three divisions since joining the league in 2000 were well on top from the start and clinched the title comfortably.
There's little doubt there will be great disappointment at Summerhill Lane that the crown that once looked odds-on slipped through their hands but, on reflection, runners-up spot the season after promotion is still a considerable achievement.
In Division C, Harden comfortably beat Menston to take the title and the promotion they missed by a single point last season.
Phil Leng (5-19) set the tone as Menston were dismissed for just 78 of which Adam Campion scored 40.
Harden then had a scare when they lost their first three wickets for just four runs but Dave Dawson came in and hit an unbeaten 65 to give his side their eighth win in a row in completed games.
New Rover are also promoted after they beat Alwoodley but Ilkley's challenge floundered, managing only two points at home to Bolton Villas.
Skipper Steve Wilson (56) led the way as the visitors reached 190 for nine, with Richard Harrison taking five wickets.
Paul Dover (46no) did his best to get Ilkley to victory but, with Charlie Trees (4-58) pegging his way through the batting, the home side were still 30 runs short of their target with only two wickets left at the close.
Mark Taylor (6-66) was the star of the show as Addingham finished their campaign with a five-wicket win at Woodhouse.
A five-for-42 spell by Chris Walker helped Skipton beat Ben Rhydding in the battle of the sides facing re-election.
By coincidence, the bottom sides in Division A also met, with Tong Park just failing to get the nine runs they needed in the last over for victory over Rawdon.
Chris Shepherd (6-88) was a thorn in Rawdon's side but, with Stewart Smith (70) and Duncan Stowe (51) in good form, they managed 214 for nine.
Rajesh Gahlot (67) led the reply but Park were three runs short of victory at the close of a disappointing campaign.
James Harford (54) was top scorer as Otley overcame Green Lane by three wickets with two overs left.
A stunning eight-over spell from Nick Brook that produced four maidens and figures of five for seven saw Burley beat former champions Bilton to end the season with five wins from six completed games.
Runway Division B top two Collingham and Beckwithshaw closed with victories over Hall Park and Horsforth respectively.
Jake Brown finished off an excellent season for Calverley with an innings of 81 and a spell of five for 31 as they beat relegated Thackley by six wickets.
Martin Gadd (62no) was the pick of the Thackley players in their innings of 151.
Aussie Rob Cooper (65) starred for Upper Wharfedale in their 148-run win over Bardsey.
Zeesham Quasim (66 and 4-55) and Tim Sugden (55) took the eye in Silsden's victory at Olicanian, although the home side could boast half-centuries from Alistair Long and Dave Corcoran.
Guiseley finished with a flourish, their 123-run victory over Knaresborough, taking them to five straight wins in completed games.
Chris Wain (55 and 5-12) was man of the match but there were also some big contributions from Mark Ross (59), Sam Wilkinson (50) and Marcus Brown (5-38).
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