WILMSLOW CROWNED NORTH OF ENGLAND PREMIER DIVISION CHAMPIONS
WILMSLOW have been crowned the Men's North of England League Premier Division champions for the first time.
The triumphant Styal Road club knew victories in their final two matches of the season this weekend would secure their first top flight title.
A battling 17-6 win at home to Rochdale on Saturday laid the platform for success, while leaders and title-rivals Timperley slipped to a shock 15-12 defeat away to promoted Poynton.
That meant Wilmslow, whose highest Premier Division finish was fifth, only had to draw against Manchester Waconians in their last match of the season on Sunday.
But not content with a draw, the Cheshire club cruised to an impressive 24-6 win to write their name in the record books.
And having also reached this season's Northern Senior Flags final, the club now have a chance of a memorable title double.
"I'm so proud of all the players," praised delighted Wilmslow skipper Mark Reynolds. "It means so much to win the league, it's been a long time coming."
The England international added: "We've shown a lot of fight this season, which has been of the main reasons why we've been successful.
"We've had players in every position who have done well this season, it's been a real team effort. Hopefully now we can beat Mellor in the Flags final.
"It really would be a fantastic achievement if we could win a double."
Stockport were the last club to win a top flight double when they won the Premier Division in 2005 and went on to beat Heaton Mersey 14-10 in the Senior Flags final.
