WEST HERTS Cricket Club will be presented with the Home Counties League Division Two East Trophy tomorrow (Saturday, September 3) morning, after they clinched the title in thrilling fashion at Sawbridgeworth.

Needing just seven bonus points to claim the crown, the magical moment arrived six minutes after tea when Leslie Gaylard was fittingly caught by captain Matt Smith at first slip off the bowling of Duncan Hodges.

The left-arm spinner went on to finish with figures of seven for 45 his second successive seven-wicket haul as West Herts won the match by eight runs.

"It's been an unbelievable season and a fantastic effort by all the guys," said director of cricket Mike Hodges, now in his 21st season with the club.

"We've played really well as a team and it's nice to have won it with a bit to spare."

The Park Avenue Club have accepted promotion to Division One and they will now be rubbing shoulders with the cream of the Home Counties next season.

"Our plan is to consolidate in the league above next season and then start to build again from there," explained Hodges.

"We are really looking forward to it. Hopefully we can pick up a few players and strengthen the side."