KNUTSFORD Hockey Club will play in a better league next season.

The men’s first team rounded off a season to remember with a resounding 6-1 win over lowly Didsbury Northern, a victory that earned them promotion to the North League.

“Being a winner is more than getting a first place trophy,” said skipper Mat Hodge.

“It is acting like the effort was an honour and the trophy is just a decoration.”

Inspired, his teammates duly voted him to continue in the role of club captain for next term.

Their 12th success of the campaign was one of the simplest, with the party starting at the first period’s halfway point when David Price netted for the 15th time this term with a trademark drag-flick from a short corner.

Mark Fletcher deflected another short corner into the net soon afterwards to double his side’s tally.

Knutsford were playing hockey to bring a tear to the eye of their devoted supporters.

The visitors halved their deficit before James Howard, making his final appearance before heading to university, ended a dynamic dribble with a sublime finish.

Mike Power was fiendishly clever to create the next goal for himself, skipping around three Didsbury defenders before firing home for 4-1.

Mark Hadlee made it five after cutting in from the left flank before veteran Simon Locke deflected a rare goal past the visitors’ custodian from inside the circle.

“Summer must be a long season for those without warm memories,” added Hodge.

“Our sole aim during pre-season was to get promoted and the guys have repaid my faith with interest.

“The Cheshire Plate triumph was the icing on the cake.”