WOODBANK captain Anthony Harris paid tribute to the men behind the scenes who helped turn the club around following their promotion to the Greater Manchester Premier League.

Harris and his team confirmed their step up to the GMCL's top tier with a tense 16-run victory over local rivals Walshaw on Sunday.

Walshaw were also promoted as results elsewhere went their way, but they missed out on the title following a victory for leaders Bamford Fieldhouse.

Both sides shared in the party atmosphere after the match.

"Everyone – from Walshaw as well – stayed behind for a drink after the game, it was a great night," said Harris.

"We are all obviously delighted. This promotion is not just for the players, it is for the chairman, Martyn Ward, and people like Pete Hamer and Steve Dearden who have put in such an effort over the last few years to get us to this point.

"The club was on its knees five or so years ago, so to be promoted to the Premier League is a just reward for all of their hard work."

Saturday's fixtures were cancelled across all leagues in the GMCL due to bad weather.

Woodbank were due to play Bamford Fieldhouse, and Harris admits escaping that game with two points strengthened their position.

Both Woodbank and Walshaw went into Sunday's head-to-head knowing they only needed to better Winton's result to secure promotion.

And when news filtered through they had been bowled out for 39 at Worsley, the party started early.

"It was a strange day really as we when we found out what had happened to both sides wondered whether we should just call it quits and hit the bar early," joked Harris.

"But there was plenty still to play for, not least the local bragging rights and it was great to get the win.

"We know the hard work starts now. We want to be competitive in the Premier League and have to prepare for that, but first we want to win our last game this weekend and finish above Walshaw."

Woodbank were bowled out for 132, with pro John Whithead top scoring on 28 as Kendrick Hatton and Nick Murphy shared three wickets apiece for Walshaw.

But after openers Andy Payne (24) and Saif Bhojani (30) got Walshaw off to a steady start, Nick Kennedy took centre stage with the ball to take 6-28 and help bowl the visitors out for 116.

Elton suffered contrasting emotions at the foot of Division One, where they are six points adrift of safety and destined for relegation after not playing last weekend.

Edenfield gave themselves an outside chance of replacing Elton in Division One with a four-wicket win at Westleigh. They must win their final match of the season at title chasers Denton and hope Flowery Field lose at Brooksbottom to squeeze into the top four.

Brooksbottom lost by 50 runs at South West Manchester and will finish in the bottom four, alongside bottom side Radcliffe, who did not play at the weekend.