Locks Heath II v Steep II: STEEP’S second team are celebrating back-to-back promotions after a hard fought victory over Locks Heath on Saturday ensured that they will be playing in County Division 4 next season.

Steep went into the game knowing that victory would guarantee promotion but were wary of a Locks Heath side that were battling to avoid relegation.

Locks Heath won the toss and elected to bat first but immediately found themselves in trouble against the Steep opening pair of Kelson and Paul as they were reduced to 21-4 after 14 overs.

Acaster and Sparshott set about rebuilding the innings and took the score to 80-4 before an impressive spell of pace bowling from George Perry (3-26) and a wicket apiece for Callingham and Kelson saw the Locks Heath inning finish on 118 all out.

In reply, Steep openers McCubbin and Callingham put on 20 for the first wicket before McCubbin was dismissed for four. Captain Ed Ellis joined Callingham at the crease and the score reached 50 before Callingham fell, well caught at slip, off the bowling of Paskins for 13.

When Burkie and Bugh were dismissed in quick succession the game was in the balance. However, any fears that Steep may have had were allayed by a vital 40-run partnership between Ellis and Rich Atkins. When Atkins was dismissed with the score on 101 victory was in sight.

Perry and Kelson supported Ellis as Steep edged towards the victory target of 119, and Ellis (49 not out) hit a four over mid-off to complete the victory.