CORVEDALE and Cleobury Mortimer cricketers are in seventh heaven after clinching championship and promotion glory respectively.
Victory over Welshpool seconds earned Corvedale the Shropshire League Division Seven title while Cleobury’s win over Evesham clinched promotion from Worcestershire League Division Seven.
Adam Williams was the hero for Corvedale, taking stunning figures of 7-3 from three overs to skittle Welshpool for 50 and hitting 33no as the hosts coasted home at 52-1.
“It was an amazing spell,” beamed skipper Ian Alderson after his side won the title with a game to spare.
“Our bowling attack has been superb throughout the season. It’s been lovely captaining them.
“It has been a sensational season and I think we can definitely hold our own at the very least next year in Division Six and maybe even challenge again.”
While Corvedale’s destiny was always in their own hands after leading the league all season, it was a different matter for Cleobury.
They needed to beat champions Evesham and hope Cutnall Green, who started the day second, lost – which is exactly what happened.
Skipper Ed Kemp, away on a stag do, missed the drama but stand-in captain Sam Evans (83 off 46 balls) and Liam Williams (75) helped Mortimer swiftly chase down a target of 165 inside 20 overs.
Kemp said: “We needed a bit of luck, with Cutnall Green losing to Ombersley, but it was a fantastic result for us to beat the leaders.
“It was 11.30pm when we finally found out the other result and we probably owe Ombersley a beer!
“Sam and Liam did brilliantly but so did everybody – when you are a little club like us who struggle for players, to put out 11 players every week and get promoted is a credit to everyone.
“We have a small but strong squad and I’ve no doubt we will take the step up to Division Six in our stride.”
Elsewhere, Ludlow finished a fine fifth in the Shropshire Premier despite a final-day defeat at third-placed Sentinel.
Joe Williams (3-33) and Jason Oakes (3-58) limited Sentinel to 192-9 but six Ludlow batsmen fell for ducks as they were skittled for 95 with only Luke Miles (36) and Will Sparrow (28) impressing.
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