NORTHWICH will not be playing in Division Two next year after Alderley Park gatecrashed their promotion party.

The men from Moss Farm needed to win to stay in the hunt, but went down to a five-wicket defeat on a damp track after again losing the toss.

Openers Paul Alcock (54) and John O'Sullivan gave Northwich a chance with a century first-wicket partnership.

A young attack toiled to make inroads into the Alderley top order following tea though.

Matthew Lightburn (4-37) was the pick of the hosts' bowlers as the match came down to the final over, but with wickets in hand the visitors reached their target with two balls to spare.

A SPECTACULAR batting collapse saw Winsford's promotion push also stall on Saturday against strugglers Bowdon Vale.

Barry Crellin's men slumped to 26-5 after 17 overs and were never able to recover.

Not even their ever reliable middle order could save them as they posted their worst total, 52, of the season.

Crellin and Mike Clarke took a wicket apiece, but they were never likely to defend such a small target and Bowdon Vale cruised to victory on 53-2.

WEAVERHAM will join Winsford in Division Two next season after their fate was sealed on Saturday.

Rob McMillan (5-71) and Gordon Allen (2-11) helped restrict Prestbury to 182-9, but a failure to press home their early advantage cost the home team dear.

Wickets fell regularly in their reply, with only Steve Robertson (52) and Rob Dickenson (24) giving the home team's total respectability as they closed on 108.

DAVENHAM'S faint hopes of catching table toppers Tattenhall were ended at Runcorn.

The home team declared on 175-9.

Davenham's reply never gathered any momentum and they were quickly bowled out for just 94 to leave them in third position in Division One.

BARNTON moved towards a respectable mid table finish in Division Two with a six-wicket win at Cheadle Hulme Ladybrige.

The home team were reduced to 129 by the men from Broomsedge, who reached 130-4 to claim victory.