IT'S crunch time for Birkenhead Park at the Upper Park this Saturday as they bid to join neighbours Wirral in National Three North League for next season.

Park finished runners-up to Wirral by one point in North One West League and their reward is a promotion play-off against Huddersfield YM who were runners-up in North One East.

Birkenhead with the better record over the season get vital home advantage but it is going to be tough against useful opponents.

Park spokesman Peter Greville said: "It is a massive occasion for both clubs.

"Home advantage should count a lot but it looks like being a close call".

Huddersfield obviously know how to handle the big occasion They twice beat Cleckheaton who went on to be North East champions.

The Yorkshire outfit are bringing four coach loads of supporters and we are making it a special occasion.

A pre-match lunch is virtually sold out.

Peter Greville added: "It is important we are not out numbered off the pitch so home support for a match kicking off at 3pm will be most welcome".

Meanwhile Caldy round off their National Two North programme with a home clash against Sedgley Park.

The Paton Field side has enjoyed a good season and will have a mid table finish.

Caldy will want to hold a bit in hand for the Cheshire Cup final against Sale on Tuesday evening.

The venue has been changed from Sandbach to Lymm and the kickoff will be at 7.30pm.

Sale finished third in National Three North League.

Caldy from a league above should start slight favourites to retain the trophy but there may be little to choose at the final whistle.

Meanwhile an excellent season for New Brighton ended on a losing note as they missed out 13- 17 against Altrincham Kersal in the final of the Cheshire Vase at Winnington Park.

The East Cheshire side rounded off a relegation season in North One West League with an unexpected victory over the Blues who will now have a good idea what they face as they step up a division for the 2014/15 campaign.

It was always close with a point in it at the half way stage and the result in the balance until a late Kersal penalty.

Gavin Attwood and Joe Cardus crossed for the Blues and Luke Thompson hit a penalty.

The winners scored two converted tries plus the late successful kick.

Oxton Parkonians were a tad unlucky to lose the Plate final against Southern Nomads at the same venue. It finished 24-17 to the Isle of Man outfit.

Parkonians had the satisfaction of three tries via Paul Hillan (2) and Alan Williams with Ben Sadler adding one goal.

Cheshire have three county championship matches in May.

They meet Yorkshire at Sale on May 10.

Then it's on to Paton Field at Caldy to take on Northumberland on May 17 before facing the old enemy Lancashire at Sedgley Park on May 24.

There is a special match at Hartsfield scheduled for Saturday, May 31.

The long serving and ever popular Kati Tuipulotu is being afford a testimonial game.

It will take the form of a New Brighton International XV against a Tongan XV with a 3pm kick-off.