ALVANLEY completed their great escape from the clutches of relegation in stunning style.

They looked to be destined for the drop a couple of weeks ago, but a final-day win at Stockport on Saturday secured them another season in the Chapel Press Cheshire County League Division Two.

Alvanley’s escape spelled bad news for Upton, whose six-wicket defeat at home to Timperley saw them fall through the trapdoor.

At Stockport, Alvanley won the toss and elected to bowl. The seamers ran riot, reducing Stockport to 27-7 at one stage before the hosts crumbled to 58 (Chris Charles 5-19, Nick Geddis 3-10).

Alvanley took just 12 overs to 58-1 (Andy Bennion 21no) to secure their second successive 25-point victory.

TATTENHALL banished their own lingering drop fears with a draw at Warrington. The hosts closed on 171-6 and Tattenhall held out at 101-9 (Ian Richards 46).

Malpas, already relegated, lost by 66 runs at home to Stockport Georgians.

In the Premier Division, CHESTER BOUGHTON HALL posted the day’s top score – 280-5 – in a victory at Widnes, who make the drop into Division One next season.

Kumar Sarna (98no) and Steve Ogilby (53) top-scored for the Cheshire Cup winners, who had Widnes all out for 182 (Alex Kegg 4-42). Teenage spinner Jack Williams took 2-93 and topped 50 wickets for the first time.

NESTON lost by 14 runs at Macclesfield.

CHRISTLETON finished fifth in Division One after ending the campaign with a home loss to Bredbury St Mark’s.

The visitors totalled 140 after number 11 batsman John Usher top scored with 25, Iroshan De Silva claiming 5-45. Christleton were then bowled out for 113.

OULTON PARK finish fourth after a winning draw against promoted Grappenhall.

Danny Leech (48) and Martin East (46) were Oulton’s top scorers as they posted 215-7.

In reply, East (4-45 off 15 overs) proved to be difficult to score off with his gentle away swing. East picked up wickets at important stages, with supported from Leech (2-78) and Guy Emmett 2-18.

Grappenhall finished on 192-8.