Western have won the Canterbury Championship League after defeating Burwood 4 - 2. Their closest rivals Halswell also won, coming from behind to win 5 - 3 against Parklands.

Western and Halswell were locked in a season long battle for the title with the top spot switching between the two sides eight different times in an exciting title race.

Western finished the 20 game CCL on 44 points, 3 clear of Halswell with Christchurch United a distant third on 21. Just a point seperated the bottom three sides with Waimakariri and Parklands both on 20 and Burwood 19.

It seems likely that Western will now return to the Mainland Premier League for 2019, after they dropped out of the top flight for he first time since the MPL commenced in 2002.

A promotion play-off series may not be required with the champions of the Nelson Bays Division 1 title, Blenheim Rangers, indicating mid-season that they may not be ready to seek promotion this season.

Article added: Monday 20 August 2018