WEAVERHAM lost a thriller with Urmston on the final ball, a six from Zeeshan Assi securing promotion to the Premier Division for the Russets’ guests.

They needed 19 runs from the last over to reach their target, pipping Sale to second as a reward.

Weaverham ran up 199-9 after batting first in a contest reduced by rain to 78 overs, Wilden Cornwall (63) and Kyle Clarke (53) contributing half-centuries.

They were favourites for victory when Urmston made a dash for the runs they required, Kevin Waterhouse (5-47) accounting for most of the wickets that fell.

However Assi (32no) and 17-year-old James Espley saw them home.

Oulton Park finished fourth following a one-wicket win at home to Didsbury, who totalled 197 after being put in.

Elliot Ashwell (4-13) and Guy Emmett (3-67) were the pick of the hosts’ attack.

The men from Little Budworth made it to their target with last-wicket duo Ashwell and Andrew Hards at the crease.

Earlier, openers Martyn East (62) and Nick James (60) had put on 105 for the first wicket.

Davenham rise to seventh, a higher placing than last season, after beating relegated Middlewich by three wickets at Butcher’s Stile.

Dan Hancock (5-47) increased his wicket-tally for the term to 46 in the visitors’ 180 all out, with Kristian Clowes (50) and Nick Gill (32) the leading scorers.

The home team secured victory later following knocks from Sam Hunt (35) and Chris Hornby (34no).

Stephen Bliss took 4-44 for Middlewich.

Northwich lost by two wickets at Warrington, who are promoted from Division Two as champions.

Captain Mark Walker (54) and Sam Stoneley (42) were the best performers with the bat as the visitors were dismissed for 164, Nathan Green returning figures of 7-43.

Warrington’s reply reached 165-8, Will Fleetwood (38no) playing a pivotal innings down the order.

Walker claimed 3-31.

Results

Vivio Cheshire County League

Division One, Saturday: Davenham 185-7 Middlewich 180; Oulton Park 199-9 Didsbury 197; Sale 119 Timperley 131-7; Tattenhall 212-8 Christleton 138; Urmston 202-9 Weaverham 197-9.

Division Two: Bollington 122 Mobberley 81-9; Irby 150-5 Congleton 148; Stockport 153 Bredbury 173-6; Upton 115 Alvanley 185-8; Warrington 165-8 Northwich 164; Widnes 210 Brooklands 212-9.