Eccleshall book their place back at top table - and now want title

BIGNALL End and Knypersley face a final-day showdown in NSSCL Premier B to avoid joining Leycett in dropping out of the division.

- Chris Travers NSSCL Premier B

Leaders Eccleshall sealed one of the promotion spots, despite being well beaten at Wood Lane.

Eccleshall required just seven points to confirm their elevation - and picked them up at Megacre.

Wood Lane took first use and powered their way to 268-7 from a rain-reduced 40 overs.

That total was underpinned by a fourth-wicket stand of 123 between Richard Hassall and Danny Brierley.

Hassall hit 13 fours and four sixes in his 92, with Brierley’s 57 featuring seven boundaries and one maximum.

Martin Dawson (40), Steve Brierley (30no) and Ben McGuire (25) were also in good touch.

Matthew Wright scooped 4-55 for Eccleshall and there were a couple of scalps for Myles Coughlan.

Jack Knapper top-scored with 49 on the resumption, but Eccleshall were dismissed for 143.

Richie Jervis and Thomas Mason helped themselves to 4-38 and 3-31 respectively and there were also two wickets for Hassall.