WHILE Stourbridge were celebrating the Division One title in Worcester, there was the predicted joy and despair back in the town as Stourbridge Social beat rivals Amblecote and Wollaston.

The five wicket victory sealed Social’s promotion to Division Three but the visitors will be playing in Division Five next term as their relegation was confirmed.

In a match reduced to 40 overs a side, A&W won the toss and their need for maximum points gave them no choice but to bat.

This played right into the hands of Social’s Vaqas Ahmed who got the early breakthrough of opener Pearsall (0) in the second over.

From then on in, Socials pace attack made it difficult for the visitors to put runs on the board and soon had them at 60-5 by the drinks interval. The elements then played their part with a long shower that sent the players off the field and resulted in Social’s innings being cut further to just 33 overs.

Ambelcote’s Dewinski (40) and Bingham (20) showed some grit and took the batting side to a challenging total of 147-7. Pick of the bowlers was the ever consistent Ahmed with another superb spell to end the season taking 4-28.

After tea, the hosts set about the target in an attacking fashion with openers Jillani (18) and Mussadaq punishing any width.

But both were caught chasing the ball and this put hope into the visitors. A mini collapse started, only for Ahmed to stand firm and build a glorious 75 alongside consecutive partners Milner (8) and Ali (13 not out).

Social (pictured above) eventually got over the line in the 22nd over to spark wild celebrations.