BOWDON Vale Vikings have qualified for the knockout stages of the Cheshire Over-40s' Cricket League for the first time in their history.

In a league that includes teams such as Sale, Urmston and Bowdon, it represents a remarkable achievement for the lowest-ranked team in the division.

With two ties and some thrilling wins from losing positions it has been a very exciting season.

Skipper Gary Webb puts this year’s success down to a team effort with a strong batting line-up, including leading scorer Marcus Dean (220 runs) and a good variety of bowling options, with both Mark Nicholas and Ian Jordan taking 11 wickets. The Vikings now play a quarter-final match against Bollington to decide who plays in the Cheshire Finals Day at Chester Boughton Hall CC on Sunday, September 3.