Banstead have dramatically claimed promotion back to the top flight of the Shepherd Neame Surrey Championship.

Although Banstead went down to defeat by East Molesey, promotion from Division One was secured when the rain finally arrived at Ashtead to halt their run chase against Purley.

Play seemed unlikely when Banstead arrived at East Molesey after a night of torrential rain.

But the team demonstrated their determination to take some control of their destiny by leading the clean up operation, even using their own personal towels to help mop up water from the pitch.

After losing the toss Sam Woodward’s team had no option but to score quickly, declare and try to bowl out the opposition.

A draw was of no consequence in this complicated points system.

Despite the moisture, the wicket proved surprisingly true as Banstead amassed 179-6 off 29 overs - built around an excellent opening partnership between Rory Burns (36) and Mark Houghton who top scored again with 71.

Woodward looked in good form with a late flurrish of 26 not out. Inevitably conditions proved equally favourable for East Molesley as they successfully chased down the total also in 29 overs, again due in major part to an excellent opening stand of 98 between Perera (63) and Henderson (68), as for once the Banstead attack could not make its usual early inroads.

As the players sat disconsolately in the dressing room, news filtered through that the rain, which had circumnavigated Ashtead for most of the afternoon, had arrived ‘ in buckets’, halting their progress towards an achievable 160 in 35 overs.

The game was forced to a close with a winning draw awarded in Ashtead’s favour but the four points being insufficient to overtake Banstead’s haul, leading to wild celebrations that continued long into the evening at the Banstead clubhouse.

The season has been a personal triumph for Sam Woodward.

At the age of 25, Woodward is stepping down as captain after four years during which time he has grown from raw captain to established leader.

He has guided the club through troubled waters but leaves as his legacy a young and talented side which, with some judiscious recruitment to increase depth, is surely capable of holding its own in the Premier League.

His total commitment has been evidenced by a run of 99 consecutive games for the club, during which he been the premier batsman and the opposition’s prized wicket.

He will hopefully be available next season after commitments to Whitgift School.

Standing alongside Woodward in this successful season has been Mark Houghton, a New Zealander from Wellington.

Recruited principally for his bowling, which has not disappointed, it has been Houghton’s near 600 run haul that has been the foundation of many of Banstead’s totals and it is anticipated he will return next year.

Woodward has been quoted on many occasions this year about different players putting in performance when needed.

Rory Burns has combined sharp glove work behind the stumps with some flamboyant opening scores that have given Banstead’s innings early momentum.

Matt Spriegel – when available - has put in quality performances with bat and ball, and many observers regard his 96 not out at Ashtead as a turning point to the season, the first of nine consecutive wins that carried Banstead to top position at one stage.

The opening attack of Adam Clarke and Tristan Caviet invariably provided the essential early breakthroughs. Clarke’s opening burst of 3-11 against Weybridge and Caviet’s 5-25 against Esher set up the wins that provided the points cushion at the top of the league to enable Banstead to ultimately prevail.

Add in fine cameo performances from Jak Luxford and Phil Reeves and it is easy to understand Woodward’s optimism for the future.

Banstead’s evening was made complete with confirmation of promotion for the third and fourth teams from their respective leagues. A great weekend for the club – in spite of the weather.