RETIRING Halesowen skipper Richard Brooker bowed out in style by leading his side to promotion from Division Two.

And he admitted the celebrations capped a remarkable transformation after revealing fears over a relegation scrap in the early weeks of the campaign.

But they sealed their spot in the top flight with a win by seven wickets over Pershore at Seth Somers Park with Brooker taking 5-16 and Eddie Rhodes 3-26 as the visitors were dismissed for 104 in 45.3 overs.

Halesowen were then set a revised target of 95 from 40 overs after a rain delay and an unbeaten 47 from Jamie Harris saw them home and helped them back to Division One for the first time in six seasons.

A jubilant Brooker said: “If you had to write a script to end the season then this would have been it. It’s been the perfect day.

“After five games of the season we feared a relegation battle was on our hands having lost four games on the bounce and it’s taken a hell of an effort from every player to drag us to this feat.

“We always knew we were better than what we were showing on the field but we needed a kick-start to move the season along.”

Brooker also had praise for champions Oswestry and key people at the Halesowen club.

“Even though this was my last game as captain I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Oswestry,” he said. “Despite an horrendous couple of weeks off the field with their talisman Chairman passing away they have truly deserved the title as they have led from start to finish.

“Closer to home I want to thank all the players for sticking with me and putting in the performances that have carried us across the line for every time I have asked for more they have responded.

“Off the field our Chairman Richard Evans, the Committee and Gary Patchett our Head Groundsman deserve much praise for everything they do behind the scenes.

“We have outstanding facilities now with the new training area and I can see the club climbing to even greater heights and why not?”

They followed up promotion with victory in the Worcestershire Sunday League Cup Final against Beacon on Sunday to complete a memorable double.

One negative of the weekend, however, saw the Second XI relegated after losing to Brockhampton.

Chasing 284 for victory Hales fell 100 short despite Jack Robertson’s (83*). The thirds were abandoned and the fourth team finished the season with a winning draw at Alvechurch.