IT HAS not been plain sailing for West Hallam White Rose in recent seasons but they are on their way back to County League Division Two after clinching the Division 3S title in style.

They lost a wicket to the first ball against Ashbourne on Saturday but the only way was up after that as Australian Josh Emerton (121) and James Bostock (55) put together a club record second-wicket stand of 171 on the way to a total of 286-3 declared.

With captain Peter Hort taking 6-14, West Hallam then shot Ashbourne out for 53, despite dropping five catches.

Other teams who have already won their divisions are Heanor Town (3N), Codnor (6N), Pilsley seconds (7N), Sawley & LE Park fourth (7S) and Dunstall thirds (7W). Clay Cross need eight points and Alrewas seconds only three to seal the 2N and 5S titles respectively.

● Our picture shows the winning West Hallam line-up from Saturday. Back row, from left: Noddy Morgan, James Lockhart, Josh Emerton, Tom Lockhart, James Bostock Front row: Jack Porter, Chris Clarkson, Matt Tatler, Peter Hort (captain), Tom Fletcher, Ben Clarkson.