Stour go up and Old Hill survive on dramatic final day (From Halesowen News)

Stour go up and Old Hill survive on dramatic final day

9:22pm Saturday 15th September 2012 in Local Sport

STOURBRIDGE are celebrating a second successive promotion after a dramatic final day of the cricket season.

The Amblecote side’s 133 run win at Studley was enough to earn second place in Birmingham League Division Three, displacing Aston Manor who were beaten by Bridgnorth.

Elsewhere there was joy for Old Hill , who preserved their Division One status thanks to a 116 run over Whitchurch.

Halesowen also picked up enough points to survive in Division Two despite losing away at Eastnor.

They can look forward to a derby next season with Stour, who demolished Studley to seal promotion.

Richard Bradley’s side put on 244-6 batting first and then skittled the hosts, who were relegated as a result, for just 111.

Promotion was confirmed when Aston Manor fell 12 runs short of their target of 253 set by Bridgnorth. At Whitchurch, Old Hill made 249-2 batting first and then bowled out the hosts for 133.

Dan Cox’s side went into the final two games nearly 30 points adrift of safety but the great escape was sealed when Coventry and North Warwickshire fell to a 28 run defeat at Walmley.