Diss capped off a fine season with a comfortable nine-wicket win against Lowestoft, thus securing promotion to the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division.

Going into the final day, Diss were third and relying on other results to see them finish in the top two, including a key clash between leaders Swardeston A and fourth-placed Dereham.

Lowestoft won the toss and elected to bat first at Rectory Meadow. As they had been doing throughout the season, Diss struck early with Chris Cooper having Savoury (4) caught at slip by David Tooke.

Daniel Taylor (1-32) also struck by getting the key wicket of Tom Brice for a duck. Cooper began to rip through the Lowestoft top order, removing McAvoy (1), Guy (0) and Garrod (12) all in quick succession to reduce Lowestoft to 23-5.

They briefly recovered through Brown (20) and Will Brice (14), but they both ended up falling to Cooper, as he finished with figures of 6-28 and made it 35 wickets for the season.

Skipper Mark Williamson (2-14) also joined the fun, notching a couple of wickets himself and a good piece of fielding from Mark Brawn ensured a run out. In the end Lowestoft were dismissed for 88 in just 29.4 overs.

The run chase started with a bang as Williamson thick edged the first ball for four over third man. He and Cooper were determined to see out the game before the tea break and Williamson in particular did just that, pelting 43 in just 38 deliveries with some delightful shots, including a six.

He was eventually bowled by Will Brice (1-15), but D Tooke helped Cooper see out the victory, and guarantee the hosts 25 points. He finished nine not out and Cooper 29 not out.

Diss' victory meant they would need at least one of Swardeston A or Stow to lose, and subsequently that happened, with Swardeston A falling 30 runs short in pursuit of 165 against Dereham. However, Stow were victorious against Vauxhall Mallards A, chasing down 225, so went up as champions, five points ahead of Diss on 339 points. Swardeston A finished third, having started the day top, and Dereham fourth.

It was a deserved promotion for Diss, who lost just three games all season, and every player played their part throughout the season. Congratulations must go to Stow, who won eight of their final nine games to pip Diss to the title.