ARCADIAN Nine Elms are celebrating after both of their Saturday sides won their respective divisions in the Cheltenham, Gloucester and Forest of Dean League.
The first XI (main image) finished clear at the top of the Premier Division thanks to a 192-run victory on the final weekend over Birdlip & Brimpsfield 2nds and are heading back to the Gloucestershire County League after a break of four years.
And the 2nds completed a season to remember by sealing the Division One East title and promotion following a 24-run triumph over Dumbleton 3rds.
Second team captain Mo Khawar said: “We’re now looking forward to playing in the Premier Division thanks to our first team also being promoted!
“We attracted six or seven new players this year to the 2nds, and most of them are aged about 16. It’s been a bit of a challenge to make sure they all have a chance to bat and bowl every week, but we wanted to do that to encourage them.
“Premier Division cricket will be a bit of a step up but we’re excited to give it a go, and it’s the same for the first team.
“One of the secrets to their success has been consistency in selection as well as a real hunger to win which we hope will continue next year.”