Chester Gladiators are celebrating a league and cup double but the club's delight is tinged with frustration after their final game of the regular season ended in a walkover.
Chester knew a win over Culcheth Eagles would guarantee themselves top spot in North West Men's League Division Four and secure the league leaders shield, unless nearest challengers Manchester Rangers could overturn a 146-point deficit in points difference.
Weekend opponents Culcheth Eagles, who have endured a difficult season, conceded the fixture, meaning the game was awarded to Chester as a 24-0 win.
That meant celebrations had to be put on hold until the conclusion of Manchester's game at Westhoughton Lions, which finished 42-16 to Rangers.
As a result, Chester have been confirmed as champions and will be promoted to Division Three, giving them a double after winning the NWML Shield last month.
The club are now targeting a treble in the play-offs with a semi-final at home to Garswood Stags this weekend and the winners going on to face Manchester or Rochdale Cobras in the Grand Final at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes on October 31.
"It's been an incredible season and to complete a double is a fantastic achievement for the squad and coaches," said club spokesman Paul Foster.
"We're frustrated at how the regular season ended but these things can happen and we sympathise with Culcheth, but we've finished top because we've had the best record over the season.
"Manchester and Rochdale have pushed us extremely hard and it's been a real fight but we're delighted to be champions and looking forward to the step up next season.
"We've got one more trophy in our sights and there's no doubt the squad are good enough to bring that home too but we know it will be tough after such a long season.
"The club has come on leaps and bounds in the past 18 months and we're excited at what the future holds, particularly with our junior section getting bigger all the time so things look bright."
Interim coach Lee Joyner added: "The squad have put there bodies on the line this season and have had to overcome some adversities so deserve a lot of credit.
"We'd like to thank the supporters who make the club so special and we'll be looking to do even better next season and put Chester on the rugby league map."
Chester's semi-final with Garswood Stags will take place at The Cheshire County Sports Club in Upton on Saturday (2.30pm).
