ANDREW SWARBRICK insists Chirk are disappointed to see the season finishing after wrapping up promotion from Shropshire League Division Two.

A ruthless eight-wicket win over Forton confirmed second place for Chirk, who have received the news that a runners up spot is good enough to earn promotion to Division One for the 2020 season.

After a difficult time of things in the North Wales League Premier Division, Swarbrick’s Chirk are on the rise, and the captain is not ready for the campaign to come to a close at Lilleshall tomorrow.

“The lads are all excited for the game against Lilleshall, but it’s the first time in a few years that we are all feeling gutted that the season is ending. We’ve all become so close over the summer.

“We’ve had it confirmed that at least two teams will go up, so we are very happy with that.”

Winning makes everything more enjoyable, and even though Wellington Seconds secured the title, Chirk have had a season to savour.

“It’s been a great year,” said Swarbrick. “It’s been a competitive league, a couple of games have been on the easy side, but it’s been really enjoyable.

“Wellington are deserved champions as well. They’ve been the best team, they’ve won many games and been hard to beat.”

Chirk wrapped up promotion by skittling Forton for just 48 as Swarbrick picked up memorable figures of 9-8 from 10.5 overs.

On his impressive individual display, Swarbrick said: “You’d take that, wouldn’t you?!

“It is nice to have bowled that spell, but it would have meant absolutely nothing if we didn’t go and win the game.

“I’m glad I was able to take nine wickets in a match we won to take us up.”

Chirk will be without Chris Pritchard, pictured, Gareth Partridge and Frank MacDonald-Brown at Lilleshall, but Chris Martin returns for the Wrexham-based side, who have confirmed Luke Gardner as the first team’s new vice-captain.

“He’s an unsung hero at the club,” said Swarbrick of Gardner. “It’s great to get him involved more.”

Northop Hall will look to cement a sixth-placed finish in Liverpool Competition Division One with victory at Fleetwood Hesketh tomorrow.

Michael Barnes’ men have enjoyed a solid campaign on their return to the second-tier, winning eight of their 18 completed outings.

Hall Seconds are also in action tomorrow as they host Alder Seconds, while the third XI entertain Prescot Odyssey Thirds.

Chester Boughton Hall must make up for their Cheshire Cup final disappointment by beating Formby in Sunday’s Liverpool Competition Knockout Trophy final.

Having already secured the Cheshire County League title, Hall lost out by five wickets at home to Hyde after being bowled out for 105 from just 25.2 of their allotted 45 overs.

Jack Williams took 2-16 and Alex Money 2-25 but Hyde ended Chester’s treble-bid with ease.

But at least Rick Moore’s have one more trophy to play for when they travel to Formby on Sunday for a 2pm start.