OLD Parkonians 1st XI beat Westminster Park in a rain affected match to seal promotion for the second consecutive season.

The match never looked like it would start, with heavy rain falling around Chester until mid-afternoon.

However, after an early tea was taken a 4pm start was agreed with a 50 over game to be played.

Old Parkonians won the toss and chose to bat, seeking the maximum batting points to guarantee promotion.

The damp pitch and soggy outfield meant scoring was very difficult though as Parks limped to 93-9 off their 25 overs. Dan Berkson (22) and Adam Winstanley (18) impressed most with the bat.

The Westminster Park reply started quickly, with the now dry outfield providing the hosts with a plethora of boundaries.

At 61-2 the game looked all but over, but as has proven quite often this year, Old Parkonians never gave up and it paid off with some great bowling from Lewis Elwood (4-39) and Chris Beckett (3-22) as well as a runout which saw the home side collapse to 84 all out, just nine runs short of their target.

Old Parkonians skipper Chris Beckett said after the game: "It's been another fantastic campaign and to get back to back promotions is fantastic.

"We have had some very tight games this year but that's just added to the excitement.

"All the lads have been brilliant this year, never giving up as you can see from quite a few of our results.

"I'll be looking to try and strengthen our batting over the winter as that's been our only weakness this season".

Old Parkonians will play in the UKFast Cheshire Cricket League Division 3 next season, which will see the return of the keenly fought derby with Wirral Cricket Club.

Scores:

Old Parkonians 93-9 (25 overs) 25 points, Westminster Park all out (21.3 overs) seven points Result: Old Parkonians won by nine runs