PROMOTION is already in the bag, but Grappenhall firsts’ chances of lifting the title are now out of their own hands.

Their final pair dug in to secure a draw at leaders Cheadle, finishing on 187-9 in reply to the hosts’ 203-5.

It meant they took six points away from the game to Cheadle’s 15, meaning they now trail the table-toppers by 10 points with one game of the campaign remaining.

They must now beat Congleton at Broad Lane on Saturday and hope Cheadle drop points at Marple in order to pip them to top spot.

Grappers’ chase of 204 for victory got off to a nightmare start as they were reduced to 37-4, but an excellent partnership between Ben Bodha and Eddie Barnes gave them a chance of victory.

However, both fell within a few balls of each other – Bodha first for 59 before Barnes was dismissed on 78 – and the victory push never regained momentum.

Meanwhile, the seconds beat league leaders Romiley by one wicket in a thrilling contest that went down to the final over.

Chasing 151 for victory, Grappers were reduced to 39-5 and then 101-9 before Zach Tully (25) and Stan Pennington (30) put on a superb unbeaten partnership to get them over the line.

The thirds’ final game of the season saw them win at Bramhall, who were bowled out for just 122 batting first as Fameesh Azeez and Matt Hardman took seven wickets between them.

Yuvan Sunderanmoorth (40) and Zak Judge (34 not out) then starred with the bat as the visitors chased down the target with ease to secure a six-wicket win.