Worthing seal return to the top flight

The victory was Worthing’s sixth on the bounce and they now need just a point from their final game of the season – at St James’s on Saturday – to be crowned champions.

Worthing captain John Glover said: “We’ve had a really good run and it was a great win on Saturday.

“We had a great run to end last season and the way we started this season, we knew we’d be there or thereabouts.

“The umpires did a really good job to make sure the game was finished and, after we finished a bit early, we got the call to say results had gone our way and that we were promoted.

“It’s been a real team effort this year and every player has had a good year, it’s not been just down to one or two players – everybody has contributed with bat and ball. When we’ve had to call people in, they’ve all stood up as well.

“We’re going to make sure we get the point we need to make sure we’re mathematical champions, although we’ve won more games than the sides below us anyway.

“We’re going to enjoy this Saturday and then the celebrations and then we’ll start to think about next year.”

Pagham elected to bat after winning the toss but Worthing started well with the ball to reduce the visitors to 25-4.

Andy Lutwyche dismissed Michael Hales (four), Ryan Barratt (nought) and Joe Turner (nought), with Jamie Piper getting the wicket of Stuart Hanks (16).

Piper claimed three quick wickets in his second spell, before Pagham put on 26 for their final wicket as they were all out for 114 in 41.2 overs.

Lutwyche finished with 4-17 from 15 overs, Piper took 4-44 off 11 overs and Benn Challen picked up 2-19 from 5.2 overs.

Matthew Green (16) and Andy Reid (18) put on 41 for Worthing’s opening wicket, before four quick wickets fell to leave the hosts 61-4.

Stuart Carter (27) and Nick Ballamy (25 not out) took Worthing to the brink of victory with a 49-run stand, before Worthing soon reached their target in 31.3 overs.

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