WESTOW have won promotion to the York Vale League first division, just one year after staring relegation in the face.

Last season, the club should have been relegated to division three but were given a reprieve after Burythorpe dropped out of the league.

This year has seen a transformation which almost ended with Westow picking up the division one title. They needed to beat leaders British Sugar on Saturday but rain intervened after only ten overs with Westow on 15 for 1.

However, the ten points Westow gained (the total which teams are awarded in abandoned matches) was enough to see them pip third-placed North Duffield to the second promotion spot.

Skipper David Coverdale said two factors had contributed to the turnaround in his side's fortunes. New additions Rob Kellock and Richard Hudson, who both open the inninngs, have shored up the batting.

And, thanks to the coaching prowess of players John Sims and Martin Walsh, the club's junior section has begun to thrive. Brothers Elliot and Ben Taylor have made an impact at senior level, with Elliot gaining recognition at Yorkshire under-13 level and 17-year-old Ben adding variaition to the Westow bowling attack with his left-armers.

Updated: 11:07 Wednesday, September 11, 2002