THE champagne corks were popping at Bunbury and Kingsley on Saturday as both teams secured promotion to the Meller Braggins League.

The Division One championship was won by Bunbury, who beat visitors Sandbach by six wickets.

Sandbach were bowled out for 130 (J Thompson 5-28) and Bunbury won the game by responding with 131-4, Ben Camber leading the way with 69no.

KINGSLEY continued their incredible run of form with a last-day home win against Aston that saw them sneak into the promotion spot.

Batting first against some tidy bowling from Neil Goodwin (3-66) and Andy Leese (3-47), Kingsley were soon in real trouble at 67-6 before Dave Whyke stabilised the innings with a fantastic unbeaten knock of 70. Ed Leneghan (22) and Steve Kitchen (18) scored quick runs down the order to allow Kingsley to declare on 179-9.

Adrian Burden set the tone for the remainder of the game with three quick wickets, with only Goodwin (21) looking in any comfort at the crease. His run-out sparked the beginning of the end as Burden (5-11) returned to end the innings on 68.

The celebrations began despite news that Hartford had also won. With both sides level on points, Kingsley claimed second spot by virtue of winning more games than Hartford.

At FRODSHAM, the home side beat Port Sunlight by 42 runs. Frodsham made first use with 210-6 wickets with Matt Williamson hitting 73 and James Burton 48. In reply, Port Sunlight were bowled out for 168 (Burton 5-47, Ian Hart 4-37).

In Division Two, relegated SAUGHALL finished their campaign with an away draw against Trinity.

The hosts won the toss and elected to bat first, but James Huxley reduced Trinity to 55-4 with a fiery spell of opening bowling and put Saughall on top.

Despite a big fifth-wicket partnership. Saughall recovered to take a further four wickets late on to leave the innings closing on 236-8 off 43 overs.

Mike Andrews finished his season with a brace of wickets while Bob Salisbury and Richard Evans gave a master class in fielding, the latter hitting the stumps with a direct hit from all of 40 yards.

In reply, a second-wicket partnership of 78 between Ben Salisbury (22) and James Huxley (62) helped Saughall on their way. It was left to Adam Griffiths (17no) and regular opener Al Simpson (4no) to see the visitors to a 175-6 off their 43 overs.

In Division Three, CAPENHURST lost at home by seven wickets to Eastham. Cape were bowled out for 61 and Eastham won the game with 62-3.