EVEN more successful - and at the opposite end of the Cheshire ladder - are Oulton Park, who held their annual meeting at their pavilion.

Chairman Roy Ramsbottom commented on a 'double hat-trick' of achievements.

Oulton (and Northwich) shared the distinction of being the first in the county to be awarded the Clubmark accreditation; the Little Bud-worth outfit also received a Sportsmatch grant for the second year running and they were also among the 200 in the county to share in the Sport England development funds. Oulton are about to submit a £50,000 tender for the construction of a nursery ground, which will provide the best junior facilities in the county.

Oulton had nine juniors and five seniors picked for Cheshire; the 3rd XI won promotion and the 1st team won their first senior trophy in the County League Cup.

Andy McIlroy, captain for five years, has stepped down and is succeeded by fast bowler Stewart Eaton, whose deputy is Mike Bentham.

McIlroy, 47, joined the club in 1988 and, along with other long-serving players Steve Yates and Mike Lindley, has been made a life member.

Ramsbottom added: 'They have been the backbone of the club. It is the end of an era but there are also so many exciting things happening at Oulton Park at the moment.'

Not least is the club's intention of running U9s and U21s sides next season.

The same honour was bestowed on Eric Done, a committee member of 40 years.

Others elected were: 2nds captain Simon Torlop, vice-captain Mark Johnson; 3rds captain Stuart Macleod; president William Egerton; chairman Ramsbottom; vice-chairman George Taylor; secretary Steve Wright; treasurer Mark Johnson; league rep Danny Leech.