A DESTINATION for the Northwich and District League title will be decided tonight, Wednesday, for the first time by a play-off after rivals finished with identical records.

Gladstone C, the defending champions, host Castle D in a shoot-out for top spot.

And they do so following a thrilling encounter last week during which Jason Chester held his nerve to win a decisive frame that secured a 6-1 win for the challengers against the season-long leaders.

It left the teams tied on points, something that has never happened previously in the competition’s history.

Leigh Cobley’s maximum break was an early highlight as Castle raced into a 4-0 lead.

There was drama too at the bottom of the table, where Nectar’s avoided relegation as a reward for an emphatic 6-1 win against back-markers Castle C.

Greenbank A’s slender reverse at Gladstone B condemned them to the drop after a single campaign in the top-flight.

Barn Owl B pinched the second promotion place in Division Two following a whitewash of Lion A.

They took the spot from Lion B, whose hopes of reaching the top-flight were ended by champions Barn Owl E despite Anthony Dale dishing up an 8-ball break.

Steve James won a deciding seventh frame for the Barnton outfit.

They hope to celebrate a double by beating Castle A in the Supplementary Shield final at Gladstone Club tonight.

Wheatsheaf held on to second place in Division Three after a 4-3 win at Broken Cross.

They follow section champions Barn Owl A, who brushed aside Blue Barrel B, to a higher level next season.

And an already-successful season could get better if they cause an upset against Castle D in the Team Knockout final in seven days’ time.

Barn Owl H have to settle for third despite edging Blue Barrel A by the odd frame in their last match.

Results

Northwich and District League

Week 18, Division One: Castle B 3-4 Green Dragon A; Castle D 6-1 Gladstone C; Gladstone A 1-6 Castle A; Gladstone B 4-3 Greenbank A; Nectar’s 6-1 Castle C

Division Two: Barn Owl B 7-0 Lion A; Greenbank C 5-2 Witton Chimes A; Lion B 3-4 Barn Owl E; Moulton Legion 3-4 Iron Bridge; Owley Wood 3-4 Gladstone D

Division Three: Barn Owl H 4-3 Blue Barrel A; Blue Barrel B 1-6 Barn Owl A; Broken Cross 3-4 Wheatsheaf; Witton Chimes B 3-4 Greenbank B Free week: Green Dragon B

Fixtures

Wednesday, March 15

Division One title play-off

Gladstone C v Castle D (at Gladstone Club)

Supplementary Shield final

Barn Owl E v Castle A (at Gladstone Club)