NEVER in more than half a century has the North West Counties Division One title come to Chester.
But with victory over second-placed Prestbury in the final game of the season on Tuesday, Chester RUFC Squash Club ended the 51-year drought in spectacular fashion.
Their 4-1 win at Hare Lane was their 24th in 26 matches, but there were concerns beforehand as Chester's recent struggle to field a full-strength side again became a problem.
In the end, a half-fit Jonathan Clark was forced to turn out, but despite hopping around the court, he was still too good for Prestbury's Keith Tolley as he put Chester one-up with a 3-0 victory.
Michael Waight has had a fantastic season, but in the last few weeks has struggled for form as his exams approach. It was he who dropped a game, losing 3-1 to Prestbury's Mike Lomas to pull the visitors level.
Chester quickly regained the initiative as Alister Mutch, back from playing for Wales in the European Championships in Belgium, made short work of Glen Ragou, winning 3-0.
Chester's South African Steve Coppinger has been a revelation this year, with only one defeat all season, and he was in masterful form despite brave resistance from Danny Massaro as he made it 3-0 to ensure the bonus points went to Chester.
In a match worthy to finish a long, hard season, Chester's Nick Taylor faced Prestbury's Steve Siveter, whose methodical play was totally opposite to the flamboyant Taylor. The first four games were shared and the packed crowd enjoyed Taylor take control in the fifth as he clinched the match 3-2.
Chester's second team won the second division to make it a double success.
