THE battle for the Premier Division title took a twist on Saturday as defending champions Oulton Park finally had a stroke of luck to dislodge Neston.
A dramatic last-ball winner allowed them to seize top place as they beat Hyde at Little Budworth.
Hyde asked Park to reach 268 and Oulton openers Jonny Kettle (70) and Danny Leech (67) set their side on the way with a part-nership of 140.
Later, while wickets fell, skipper Nathan Dumelow stood firm.
He eventually went to a fine catch by Danny Berry for 48 and it was left to the lower-order batsmen to see their side through and tail-ender Chris Jones snatched a single from the final delivery to clinch a win.
While Park were busy beating Hyde, NESTON were crumbling to a shock six-wicket defeat at home to Nantwich.
The hosts posted a modest 186, teenager David Hurst contributing 84. With Lancashire star Simon Marshall absent, Neston's attack lacked a cutting edge and Nantwich coasted home at 188-4, Jeff Maynard scoring 55 and Ollie Sadler 50.
After a season spent in the lower reaches of the table, CHRISTLETON'S relegation was finally confirmed at the weekend.
The Chester side were dismantled at Little Heath by Toft's Ashwin Punja, who took 6-47 as Christleton were bowled out for 171 (Darron Cruikshank 52).
Toft replied with 175-6, Punja ending un-beaten on 68.
Christleton have had 10 points deducted for fielding 10 men in their game at Hyde on August 25. They intend to appeal against the decision.
Mid-table CHESTER BOUGHTON HALL lost at home to Widnes.
Hall posted 203-8 with Jim Gillson (57no) the outstanding performer as wickets fell around him.
Aussie Shane Jones chipped in with 33 and captain Steve Ogilby made 31, while Dave Atkin's late 32 helped give Hall a defendable total.
After tea, Alex Kegg had James McCoy caught behind in the first over. But Lancashire Academy coach Steve Titchard took control for Widnes as his unbeaten 99 saw them home at 209-3 against a poor return from all of Hall's bowlers.
In Division Two, TATTENHALL took maximum points to keep the relegation battle at arm's length.
Forced to field first at Sale on a damp wicket, Damian Lewis (4-57) bowled superbly, supported by veteran slow bowler Gary Forster (4-37). Sale barely made it to three figures, all out for 104.
Tattenhall's reply saw Paul Kettle (41) ease the early pressure of two quick wickets. Barry Mitchell ended unbeaten on 45 as Tattenhall made 106-3.
