Martin Leary believes Junior One South promotion is a ‘huge step towards putting Royston Cricket Club back on the cricketing map’.

The Crows clinched the title with a 14th win in 15 on Saturday – a two-wicket triumph at Sawston and Babraham – with skipper Leary hitting an unbeaten century.

With promotion having already been sealed two weeks prior, Royston can now start preparing for life back in the senior leagues.

Leary told the Crow: “The season has gone excellently and it’s been an all-round team effort.

“One of the main reasons for success this year has been the fact that we’ve been able to field a settled and consistent side every week.

“The team has remained largely unchanged throughout the season and I think the importance of this cannot be underestimated as everyone knows their role and can therefore focus on doing their job to the best of their ability.

“For a while there has been a strong feeling from within the camp that our rightful place in the CCA is competing in the senior leagues and now that we’ve achieved promotion we’ll fiercely defend our senior league status.

“It’s a great achievement for all involved as we feel that it’s a huge step towards putting Royston Cricket Club back on the cricketing map and that we’re getting back to somewhere we belong.”

Royston left it late to deliver their latest league victory.

Sawston got off a super start as Matthew Hague made 91 before being removed by Paul Miller (4-23).

No-one else followed the opener’s lead though and despite seeing off their 40 overs, they could only post 176-6.

In reply, Royston were in trouble at 3-2 as Paul Leary (two) and Paul Harris (one) were both accounted for by Tom Champness (4-30).

After a sluggish beginning, Martin Leary soon settled the nerves, batting like a Trojan for his 102 not out.

From there it was just down to the lower order to see Royston over the line which they just about managed, finishing on 178-8.

The first team will now play against the winners of the Cambridgeshire North League at Therfield on Saturday, September 10 in a play-off for the title of overall Cambridgeshire champions.