Warwick Workmen’s Club are returning to the T20 top flight after clinching the First Division title in the final round of competition at the weekend.

They did so convincingly with an 84-run victory over Devonshire Rec at Southampton Oval on Sunday to finish a highly successful campaign undefeated, much to the delight of coach Lorenzo Tucker.

“We are delighted to have secured the T20 First Division title in an undefeated campaign, achieving our first objective of the season,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“This success reflects the collective effort of the team, whose commitment and preparation have been exemplary. The squad possesses a number of match-winners who consistently rise to the occasion when called upon.”

Warwick posted 175 for five after being sent into bat, with Kamau Leverock (49), Malachi Jones (43), Luke Fulton (30), Jamar Stovel (21 not out) and captain Cory Burgess (13 not out) among those making significant contributions with the bat.

The home side then restricted their opponents to 91 for eight, with former captain Staphen Dill leading the attack with two for 18.

Tucker attributes his team’s success to “cohesion and unity” complemented by a strong balance between youth and experience.

He said his team has developed confidence in their ability to both defend competitive totals and successfully chase targets, pointing to their defence of 103 runs against a formidable Cleveland County side as a testament to their resilience and determination.

Tucker also feels the team has benefited from the enormous support they have received from the entire Warwick community.

“The Warwick community has shown great enthusiasm and support for this group,” he said.

While pleased to have achieved one of their goals, Tucker emphasised there is still room for growth as his team go in pursuit of more goals they have set themselves this season.

“We are encouraged by the positive start to the season,” he said. “However, we remain mindful that there is significant cricket still to be played and we are committed to maintaining our focus and continuing to improve.”

Also celebrating on Sunday were Cleveland County after they clinched the remaining promotion spot courtesy of a 49-run win against fellow promotion hopefuls Willow Cuts at Somerset Cricket Club.

Cleveland scored 141 for nine after being sent into bat, with wicketkeeper Kristian Singh (33), Tamauri Tucker (32), Isaiah Creighton (17), Clay Darrell (16) and Jermal Proctor (10) all managing double figures.

Darrell (three for 10) and Creighton (three for 23) then inflicted the heaviest damage with the ball for Cleveland as Cuts were skittled out for 92 in 19.4 overs.

Cleveland coach Courtney Trott was thrilled to see his team achieve one of their objectives.

“We were elated that we achieved one of our goals for the season and that was to gain promotion back to the Premier Division,” he said.

“It was an eventful game of cricket and shows you how a game can be up and down.

“We did not get off to a good start as we were seven for four after about three overs but ended up posting our highest total of the season. Once we got to that position I was very confident with our bowling attack that we would be able to defend that total, which we eventually did.

“Clay Darrell and Q'Shai Darrell bowled very well. Isaiah Creighton had a good game, bowling well and making a few runs. Kristian Singh and Tamauri Tucker really batted well which enabled us to post the total of 141.

“We were very pleased and happy for the guys in achieving one of our goals.

“It was unfortunate that we lost to Warwick as had we beaten them we would have won the league, but we have the T20 KO to look forward to and we will persevere and look to accomplish that goal.

“We know it will be difficult but I have faith in my team. We have a good group of guys and we will look to complete that second part of our journey and our goal prior to the 50 overs season starting.”

The remaining T20 First Division contest featured Flatts beating Somerset Bridge by seven wickets in a low-scoring affair at Wellington Oval.

Bridge were dismissed for 83 in 18.2 overs after electing to bat, with Jason Smith (20) and Patrick Dill (12) the only batters making starts at the crease.

Cory Tucker-Smith (three for 10) was the pick of the Flatts attack, while Kijuan Franks (two for 17) and Treadwell Gibbons Jr (two for six) claimed two wickets each.

Flatts replied with 84 for three and received good contributions from top-order batters Menish Karade (28), Gibbons (17), Logan Jones (12) and Jermaine Clarke (12) as they reached their target with six overs to spare.

Donnie Charles (one for 20) was Bridge’s most successful bowler, while there were two run outs.