Wellington are back in the big time of Midlands cricket after sealing promotion to the Birmingham League premier division.

The champions of 2003 and 2004 secured their return to the top flight by earning the victory they required at Halesowen on Saturday to finish runners-up to Smethwick.

Ironically, the Orleton Park men would have been promoted anyway as third place Dorridge were hammered at WB Dartmouth.

But Wellington completed the job with a seven-wicket triumph to spark off celebrations for the side well marshalled by captain Anthony O’Connor.

“If we are being honest, at the start of the season we thought we were a top four or five team but probably didn’t expect to get promotion,” said spokesman Terry O’Connor.

“We have exceeded expectations and deserved to do so because we have won more games than anybody else (13) and won more games and got more points than we ever have done in the Birmingham League.

“We probably thought winning six of our last seven games would have been enough to take the title but fair play to Smethwick because every time we have won they have too.

“But it’s great to be back in the premier division. We know it’s going to be a massive challenge but the one thing I always preach is that you have to strive to play at the best level you possibly can or you end up going backwards.”

Wellington got off to a fine start as they reduced Halesowen to 27-3.

But the hosts fought back and were eventually bowled out for 191 in the 54th over, Wendal Wagner taking 5-68.

And there were few alarms in reply as Asif Sultan, who made 37, and Steve Lamb put on 97 for the first wicket. Adam Byram then chipped in with 44 and, while Wagner went cheaply, there was no denying Wellington and Lamb struck the winning runs to finish unbeaten on 68.

There was a double celebration for Wellington, whose second team defeated Ombersley to land their division two title.

Back at first team level, Shifnal ended their division one campaign with a losing draw at Berkswell.

The hosts made 283-9, while Shifnal ended their 55 overs on 227-9 with Jonty Mountford making an unbeaten 66.

l Shrewsbury ended their premier division in sixth place after a losing draw at Knowle & Dorridge, denying the champions a Birmingham League record 10th successive win.

Batting first, K & D proved why they have clinched a first ever championship as they rattled up 284-6 off their 55 overs.

Rob Foster led the reply with 50 while Joe Leach and Ryan Bishop also made useful contributions of 44 and 38 respectively.

The loss of regular wickets ended Shrewsbury’s hopes of victory but an unbeaten 40 from Tom Cox ensured they secured a draw on 239-9.

By JAMES GARRISON