It was a day for disappointed for both the 2nd & 3rd XI’s as they saw their Premier Division status and title hopes fizzle out after putting up a brave fight.

James Woods’ 2’s started off well away at champions Toft having the hosts four wickets down with just 24 on the board, but a strong middle order partnership from Stubbs & Cornes saw the hosts close on 173 for 9 with Graeme Keenan claiming three for 20 off 15 overs. After tea, the rain interrupted the chase but the Upton batsmen fought hard led by the ageing Darren Warburton (57) and the youthful DiStefano (30) but they couldn’t quite muster enough runs to cause a final day upset and secure their league status. Time to regroup and make 2018 a more memorable season as they mount a challenge for the Division One title.

Needing a victory and hoping Warrington would do the business over Port Sunlight, Ian Sharrock’s 3rd XI bowled Bunbury out for just 98 with the skipper, Joe Green and Zeeshan Baig each claiming two wickets each. In response, the 3’s cruised home by nine wickets with Dave Charles once again the main run scorer with 52. With Port Sunlight gaining a 20 point victory, they won the title by just one solitary point – oh what could have been, but nonetheless a tremendous season for the 3’s.

On the front pitch, Tom Marsland returned to lead the 1’s in a local ‘derby’ against Oxton who decided to have a bat in the battle to claim the Wirral ‘bragging rights’. Chris McArthur struck early which proved the catalyst for former Upton favourite Andy Gibson (44) and Dane Williams (50) to put on 86 to advance the score into three figures. Neil Cross was then introduced into the attack and rolled back the years with a sublime spell of spin bowling finishing on 6 for 27 to see the Oxton innings close on 159 all out. In response, openers Matt Owen (36) and Chris McArthur put on a spectacular 131 run opening partnership in front of a packed clubhouse. With Owen departed, McArthur continued to entertain the crowd with some flamboyant stroke play as he punched his way to a tremendous 85 as home side cruised home by six wickets. The win see’s the 1’s finish in a very credible 7th place in their first season in Division One with plenty to build on in 2018.

Down at Bromborough, the 4’s season ended in defeat as they struggled to chase down Maritime’s total of 196 for 6 declared (John Scragg & Nathan Pugh with 3 wickets each). In response, Phil Wood top scored with 23 out of a total of 87 all out. Once again, another commendable effort from all involved with the 4th XI under the stewardship of captains Simon Simcox & Ian Bruce.