Chester started the day 14 points behind leaders Nantwich with the prospect of overhauling them remote. Nantwich were at Oulton Park and 12 points would secure the title.

A 10.30 start at Little Budworth saw Nantwich win the toss and put Oulton Park into bat. That meant the 12 points became unreachable - Nantwich simply had to win, assuming Chester could overturn Bramhall. To add to the mix, Bramhall needed to win to ensure safety.

From there the afternoon ebbed and flowed.

Chester reduced Bramhall to 116 on a low, slow pitch, Alex Kegg at his miserly best with 3-16 from 13 overs. The bowling star though was Jack Williams, his 4-40 taking him through the 50 wicket barrier - 53 in total for the season.

Meantime Oulton Park were struggling but a rally saw them finish on 191-8.

Chester could only control their own game and with Chris Sanderson's pace a real issue, slipped to 31-3, Rick Moore receiving an unplayable delivery from the Bramhall paceman.

Time for steady minds. Nantwich were faltering. 8-2 with two of the big guns gone. Suddenly Chester saw a glimmer and knuckled down. Harry Killoran (40) and Alex Money (50) steered them away from trouble, adding 79.

It was raining at Oulton Park and Nantwich were 74-4. Back out and 100-5 with work to do.

Chester wobbled with just six needed and lost three quick wickets with the weather closing in. Time for a no-nonsense approach from Jack Williams to see his side over the line and with Grappenhall beating Marple, condemning Bramhall to Division 1 next year.

Then the wait began. The delay meant Nantwich were still chasing. 148-7 became 167-9 and Chester were dreaming. A Facebook link to the ground brought commentary and pictures to the changing room. The last pair were together, needing 25. The sixes were flowing. Dee 106.3 were holding on the line to wait to see the outcome. Another six and then a dropped catch! Cue audible groans...followed by a moment's silence as the winning runs were struck.

And then handshakes. Congratulations all round. Congratulations on a season that started badly and then rocketed into life with a stunning 12 game unbeaten run.

Time for reflection (and a party!). There were some great moments in the 2018 season with youngsters playing a key role. We look forward to 2019. And well played Nantwich.