OULTON Park rested one hand back on the championship trophy with their 11th successive victory on Saturday.
They easily beat a low-key Neston to extend their lead to 12 points with three games remaining.
Stewart Eaton (3-25) and Robin Taylor (2-33) took the early wickets and Nathan Dumelow (3-9) cleaned up the tail.
Chris Bassano stroked an elegant 62no and Oulton won 34 overs remaining, with Eaton contributing 27no.
While Oulton look forward to facing Neston or Hyde away in the Cheshire Cup final on Sunday and look good bets for the title, they have been beaten in the honours race by their 3rd team, who have won the First Division championship under Stuart McLeod and Paul Murray in only their fifth season since joining the competition.
Oulton 2nds 171-6dec (Steve Yates 77, Simon Torlop 35) were held in a thriller by Upton 170-8 (Craig Williamson 6-75).
