WEAVERHAM will play at the highest level in the club’s history from next season after securing promotion to the Vivio Cheshire County League’s second tier.

The Russets beat Alvanley by seven wickets in Division Two on Saturday, a 13th victory in only their third season in the competition.

Their first, in 2004, ended in relegation.

With two matches to play, Stuart Hayes’ men need 13 points to clinch the title.

They were too good for Alvanley, who they knocked over for 138 thanks to in-form Kevin Douglas’ latest five-wicket haul.

He has claimed 14 victims in Weaverham’s past three matches alone.

The visitors coasted to victory at 139-3 in 22 overs, Kevin Waterhouse (83no) scoring in a hurry with support from Antiguan all-rounder Wilden Cornwall (39) in his final match.

Northwich brought back seven points from a rain-hit draw in the same section at Congleton, where the hosts totalled 214-7 after being put in.

Openers Aaron Browe (75) and Tom Blease (64) put on 132 for the first wicket before two-wicket hauls for Sam Shepherd, James Plant and Glinoj Cherian.

Northwich replied with 155-7 in an innings reduced to 43 overs, Ashley Sephton (39) and Shepherd (38no) putting on 50 runs for the sixth wicket.

In Division One, Oulton Park made it three wins from their past four league matches following a nine-wicket demolition of lowly Widnes at Little Budworth.

The visitors were sent back for 97, with Tom Hyslop recording a third successive five-wicket haul with figures of 5-31.

Big-hitting Rick Moore scored quickly after tea with his 67 off 48 balls including nine fours and three sixes, while fellow opener Danny Leech enjoyed a more sedate unbeaten 29 in a response of 98-1.

Middlewich lost by 10 runs at home to Sale, who they dismissed for a modest 118 thanks to Pat Hurley.

He took 6-48 at Haddon Field, where opener Matt Spells contributed 60.

The hosts were bowled out for 108 in reply, Jamie Williams (32) and Tom Shepherd (25) making starts while leg spinner Rick Halkon landed 6-32. He was aided by Ben Watkin taking 3-31.

Davenham’s match at Christleton was ended early by rain, with the visitors on 89-7 chasing 136 to win.

Earlier, Ifti Naseer (86) shared in an opening partnership worth 104 runs off 45 balls before left-arm slow blower Daniel Hancock (7-41) ripped through the rest of the home team’s batting order.