OULTON Park concluded the campaign with a nine-wicket win at Warrington in Division One, making them the highest-ranked Northwich side.

Kiwi Sam Blandford took 5-27 to wind up as the county league’s leading wicket-taker with 65, his latest success helping bowl out the hosts for 94.

Brad McIntosh contributed 40.

The men from Little Budworth, who finish third behind promoted pair Didsbury and Grappenhall, cruised to 97-1 in 21 overs.

In-form Martyn East (61no) and Daniel Leech (21) did the work, the latter ending 2016 with 833 runs – more than anybody else in the section.

Weaverham are a creditable fourth after being held to a draw by relegated Cheadle Hulme.

The Russets posted 318-4 – the highest total in the division this term – after a third-wicket partnership worth 196 runs between Kevin Waterhouse (123) and Wilden Cornwall (133).

The Antiguan all-rounder, perhaps playing his final match for the club, struck a dozen fours and 10 sixes.

Cheadle made it to 259-9 in reply, with opener Jordan Potts (50) leading the way.

Rob McMillan (3-68) was most successful of 10 bowlers used by captain Ian Eaton to try and dislodge the tail.

Davenham matched last season’s seventh-place finish following a four-wicket win at home to Marple, who scored 155 after winning the toss.

Only Andrew Hall (73) and George Pearson (55) made double-digit scores, while Robin Taylor (5-55) and Ryan Blackie (3-14) starred with the ball.

South African Givon Christian, supported by fellow opener Ben Gough (28), led his side’s winning reply with a knock worth 58.

Northwich classified sixth in Division Two as a reward for a six-wicket win over relegated Congleton at Moss Farm – their best finish since returning to the county league in 2014.

Tom Leese (102) and Jack Higginbotham (57) boosted the visitors’ tally to 240-5 after they won the toss.

However youngster Sam Stoneley (154) was in rampant form for the hosts, hammering nine fours and 16 sixes during an 86-ball innings.

He shared in a stand worth 150 for the second wicket with Chandrika Wathukarage (48) as Northwich responded with 241-4.

Already-doomed Middlewich lost their final fixture by 147 runs at Brooklands, who racked up 223.

Phil Parry took 4-50.

Victors only once in 22 league matches this term, the men from Haddon Field were sent back for 76 after Caleb Jones helped himself to 5-27.

They will play in the Cheshire League for the first time since 2003 next season.

Results

Vivio Cheshire County League

Saturday, September 17

Division One: Davenham 157-6 Marple 155; Didsbury 115-3 Bollington 113; Oxton 150-9 Grappenhall 151-6; Sale 216 Tattenhall 217-3; Warrington 94 Oulton Park 97-1; Weaverham 318-4 Cheadle Hulme 259-9

Division Two: Alvanley 122 Upton 123-8; Barrow 130-1 Mobberley 126-8; Brooklands 223 Middlewich 76; Christleton 194-8 Widnes 256-7 dec; Lindow 246 Stockport 248-9; Northwich 241-4 Congleton 240-5