THE long wait is finally over for perpetual bridesmaids Octel AFC, who took great delight in wrestling the Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port League's Premier Division crown from the grasp of arch rivals, Castrol Tessuti.
The latter have reigned supreme for the past three seasons, and stood on the threshold of a record breaking fourth successive title before the weekend's events changed its destination.
Despite losing 1-0 to Tessuti in last Monday's George Williamson Memorial Jubilee Challenge Cup final, Gary Scott bagging the all-important goal, Octel's main objective was the league title.
Faced with the task of having to win their remaining two fixtures inside five days, they didn't disap-point.
On Wednesday evening, Octel visited Vauxhalls, who had Mike Docherty and Richie Martin on target, but could not stem the tide of Octel attacks, as the champions-elect piled on the pressure to rally with replies from Andy Boden, Steve Salcedo, Tony Ashton, Mark Ryder and Phil Selby to post an impressive 5-2 result.
That win saw Octel take over at the top and victory on Sunday morning against Merebrook would be enough to land the title.
This time the opposition was not so generous and a tremendous game enfolded with Merebrook refusing to roll over easily.
Mark Swann netted for Merebrook to make Octel work that bit harder, and the response was positive as a Mark Ryder double swung a 2-1 decision and the title was decided.
Runners-up Tessuti completed their programme a point behind the leaders after putting Vauxhalls to the sword, Gary Scott (2) Steve Morgan (2) and Sammy McAteer applying the finishing touches to inspire a compehensive 5-1 triumph.
Jamie Fitzpatrick obliged with the Motormen's consolation effort.
