IT was 'mission accomplished' for Dave Kennedy as Northop Hall secured promotion from Liverpool Competition Division Two.

Heading into the weekend, Hall knew that they needed just nine points to return to the second tier and they more than achieved that target, although Old Xaverians pipped them to the title.

Hall were made to work hard for their 51-run win at St Helens Town, however, the Flintshire outfit slipping to 67 for six before recovering to post 119, Ben Slater with a timely half century.

Hosts St Helens Town then made it to 40 without loss in reply, but a bowling change proved pivotal as Hall took 10 wickets for 28 runs.

Off-spinner James Hurlin claimed 5-4 from 9.1 overs, while Dan Clubbe finished with 5-45 to skittle St Helens out for 68.

Old Xaverians grabbed a four-wicket win at Spring View to secure 25 points and take top spot from Hall, but Kennedy wasn't too fussed.

He said: "It was a great win and at the end of the day it's helped achieve what I wanted to do two years ago and that's get this team back into Division One.

"I started out as captain two seasons ago with the intent to get us back up and it is satisfying to know that we've achieved that goal."

There will be no time to sit back and bask in their achievements however, Hall looking to build on promotion with a successful 2019 season in Division One.

Kennedy continued: "The planning for next season has started already and we know that we need to strengthen the team and bring in a professional.

"We wanted to get up and build on what we've done and we can certainly do that over the winter.

"It's an exciting time for the club because, if you take me out of the team, the average age is just 21. Even with me in it it's around 23 or 24.

"To get promoted with such a young team that has no pro is fantastic and hopefully we can keep improving."

Unfortunately for Hall, the club's second XI were relegated from the Second XI First Division after losing to Birkenhead Park Seconds (246-4) by 111 runs.