9. CRICKET: Oakmere promoted to Cheshire League’s top-flight

What? UKFast Cheshire Cricket League Division Two

When? August 18

Where? Overdale Lane

Oakmere dispatched Stockport Trinity, their closest-rivals, by 75 runs in a one-sided encounter to ensure they would be promoted back to the Cheshire League’s top-flight.

The Northwich club had been relegated from the first division in 2014 and a recovery under captain Craig Phelan gathered pace after they finished sixth in 2017.

That included a stunning sequence that saw them win 10 successive matches between June 17 and August 26.

They picked up where they had left off, winning 15 of their first 18 games this time around to make certain they will return to a higher level in 2019.

How we reported it: Oakmere win to secure promotion to first division

And here's a bit more: Captain urges Oakmere to go on and win title

How we Tweeted it:

How they Tweeted it:

Our sports writer remembers:

“It may have been a blessing for Oakmere to have missed out on promotion in 2017.

“However instead of feeling disappointed, they had learned how to win and also knew where they needed to improve in order to make further progress.

“An outstanding overseas signing helped; South African Slade Mitrovich amassed more than 1,000 runs for the summer, making three centuries and passing 50 on half-a-dozen other occasions.

“To focus on his contribution as the sole reason for the team’s success would be unfair, for three bowlers – Nick Guest, Matt Norton and Matt Howard – took more than 40 wickets each.

“They hired a coach to help prepare them for matches, and his role in their success is one that Phelan acknowledged when I interviewed him.”