White Coppice 2nd XI’s quest for promotion from Division Eight of the Palace Shield will go to the final day of the season.

Martin Cuerden’s men currently sit second on 155 points, five points behind leaders Preston Royals and five ahead of third-placed Blackpool 4th XI.

Coppice, who have won their last four matches, visit Preston Royals knowing their destiny is in their own hands.

However, a slip-up could open the door to Blackpool 4th XI, who must beat Vernon Carus 4th XI to have any chance of going up.

On Saturday, all three teams picked up 12 points on a dramatic penultimate day of action.

Penwortham 5th XI were unable to raise a team, so White Coppice were awarded 12 points without having to bowl a ball.

While Preston Royals comprehensively beat New Longton 3rds by 168 runs, all the drama came in Blackpool’s home match against BAC/EE Preston 2nd XI.

BAC/EE reached 111-3 in pursuit of their victory target of 136 but lost their last seven wickets for just 13 runs to hand Blackpool a priceless win.

White Coppice 1st XI go into the final game of the season with the runners-up spot in Division Five secured.

Unfortunately, their penultimate game of the season at Wyre had to be abandoned when one of Wyre’s players complained of feeling ill and had to be taken to hospital.

Thankfully, he was given the all-clear after tests and White Coppice wish him a speedy recovery.

In the 12 overs that were possible, White Coppice’s batsmen found scoring difficult on a testing wicket and reached 22-3, with Chris Maguire, Tom Sandells and Jordan Halliday the men out.

Both teams picked up two points apiece from the abandoned game.

Preston Strikers slipped to only their second league defeat of the season at Eccleston but can’t now be caught at the top of the league. Well done to them.

On Saturday, Coppice 1st XI host Norcross 2nds.