KNUTSFORD Hockey Club men's team have been crowned champions and secured promotion.

The Black Knights topped North West Hockey League Division Five at the season's end.

Ably led by captain David Hickson, a successful campaign of 16 wins for their 22 league matches meant they finished at the summit after a close-fought battle for much of the season.

They delivered a strong finale to the campaign to get themselves over the line.

Knutsford had to win the last six games on the trot in order to gain the title by a single point.

Their strength in defence was a key factor in winning the league, mainly thanks to brothers Tom and Simon Adams who created a brick wall in front of mainstay keeper Darren Cook.

This was backed up by solid midfield performances from Si Locke and Rich Saxton with goals all across the team but notably from captain Hickson, who scored five on one occasion.

Knutsford go into the fourth tier of the North West League in September.