THEY did it!

That's Redlynch & Hale who pipped rivals Michelmersh & Timsbury to runners-up spot in County Division 3 North following a four-wicket victory at Littleton and West Hill.

And the promotion was sealed without talisman and skipper Ian Tanner, who was absent due to illness.

The visitors elected to bat first and raced off to a 54-run partnership for the first wicket before Nathan Pollard castled Mark Dibben. Nigel Dibben(33) followed shortly afterwards feathering a catch to stand in gloveman James Benson off Dave Webber. Rich O'Brien (58*) then shored up the innings before Pollard struck again. However, wickets were not coming easily and it was left to Emm to bag a brace as fifth change bowler.

But with Paul Anscombe (36*) sharing a seventh wicket unbroken stand of 61 with O'Brien, the total advanced to a tricky 193-6 at tea.

As Tanner was absent, his normal opening spot was taken by Benson who took up the challenge with a fine 58 to get his side in the hunt.

Run machine, Webber, fell short by his high standards this season with 29, but youngster Guy Lucas contributed with a steady 38 to stay on track, but a mini mid-order crisis, saw Matt Truckle, Andy Soutar and Rhys Williams all quickly back in the hutch, largely thanks to Nigel Dibben with 4-41.

Kev Hopkins (37*) and Pollard (15*) took the Woodfalls based outfit home with an unbroken 49-run partnership to take the points with four wickets and 10 overs in hand.

There were great celebrations at The Redlynch Sports & Social club as news came through that M&T had been beaten in their final game, thus ensuring second place and promotion to Division 2 next year.

In Regional Division 2 West, the club's seconds bowled Calmore III out for just 93 with Russ Church (3-24), Will Hewlett (3-36) and Jack Cobern (3-16). Cobern top scored with just 19 in this low-scoring affair as the target was overhauled with two wickets and 21 overs to spare.

The thirds scored 172-9 at Hale, with Michael Brown 36, against newly-reformed Wellow & Plaitford, who claimed the Regional Division 4 North West title.