WARRINGTON celebrated promotion, Birkenhead Park celebrated survival and Oxton suffered despair.
They were the contrasting fortunes experienced on a final day of high tension in the Right Move Abroad Cheshire County League first and second divisions.
It is to the first that Warrington can turn their attentions next year after finishing second following their draw at Grappenhall. They earned 17 points in totalling 242-6 declared, and restricting the home side to 144-8. It was two more than Burnage gained in their loss to Sale, so three points separated them at the end.
If Birkenhead Park had started their campaign in the first division like they finished it, who knows where they might have ended up.
As it happens, they will be relieved that their fourth successive win ensured their survival.
Park posted 156-9 declared at bottom club Alsager, who were dismissed for 74.
But spare a thought for Oxton, for so long in the top two and seemingly heading for a quickfire return to the premier league, only to be pipped for second place. They ended agonisingly three points adrift of Heaton Mersey.
It was never going to be easy at Upton, who reached 175-7 (Lee Dixon 89, Gary Dixon 52) in reply to Oxton’s 190-8 declared (Mark Rowlands 58, Lee Dixon 5-38).
Neston, denied their first premier title by Oulton Park, had the consolation of taking the runners-up spot after a terrific chase sealed a two-wicket win at Bowdon.
John Farrow took 4-34 as the hosts progressed to 228-6 declared off 55 overs. But Aussie Jack Smith (80), Chris Hackett (54) and captain Stan Clifford (43no) saw the Wirral side home.
They finished 15 points behind champions Oulton Park, who drew at Chester Boughton Hall. The visitors made 228-9, with Warren Goodwin (3-25) and Alex Kegg (3-71) the pick of Chester’s attack. Matt Griffith (53) and Goodwin (44) led the reply which ended on 197-7.
Widnes (147) went down to Toft by five wickets, resulting in a third-bottom placing, although they were well ahead of relegated Christleton, who bowed out with a 90-run defeat at Alderley Edge.
