STARRING in County Division 2 is no longer a dream but reality for Redlynch and Hale.

After a final tense encounter at Woodfalls Cross on Saturday, Redlynch secured the victory needed to be sure of grabbing the last promotion spot by finishing third in the table.

East Woodhay were the visitors and inserted the hosts on an overcast day. However, home skipper Ian Tanner, who has passed 9,000 runs for his club during this season, was once again finding the middle of his bat and, although Rhys Williams and Dave Webber perished cheaply, Glen Willoughby (34) joined his captain for a stand of 78.

Both players then fell within eight balls to Adam Kite (4-36), with Tanner completing another half century (52). At 114-3 the runs dried up somewhat, although Kev Hopkins (24) and James Dorrington (14) helped push things along to an intriguing 163 all out at tea - Alan Williams taking 3-24 at the death.

Tanner's side were cautiously optimistic over the interval feeling their score should be enough on what had been a tricky wicket with the outfield strangely slow.

And sure enough, in just the sixth over, Webber rearranged Williams' stumps to start the rot. Wickets followed for Webber (4-18) and Williams (4-27) as the visitors all got away but couldn't stay there. Only Tristan Stockwell showed any real determination, with a courageous unbeaten 39, but the bowlers were on top and, when Cameron Flack was trapped in front by Hopkins, the game was almost up.

East Woodhay edged closer but lost their last two wickets within one run to be 14 runs short of the target at 149 all out.

It wasn’t as plain-sailing for the seconds, who went down to Great Durnford, and the thirds were relegated after an eight wicket defeat by Amport seconds.