Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Social Club ascended to great heights over the weekend, finally shedding the moniker of local cricket's "whipping boys" as they were officially crowned Bermuda Cricket Board First Division Limited Overs champions.

Such was the joy and relief of winning their first ever trophy in domestic cricket in the aftermath of Sunday's two-wicket victory over Legtrappers, Social Club players and fans marched the cup from Devonshire Recreation Club to their club's headquarters on Court Street, where, according to reports, celebrations continued well into the night.

Those celebrations will probably continue for the remainder of the week as yesterday ecstatic players paraded their silverware through the streets of Hamilton in a long-awaited motorcade.

For player/coach Charlie Marshall and his supporting cast, hauling Social Club's cricket programme out of the doldrums was always a top priority.

"We've finally arrived!" exclaimed a jubilant Marshall who signed a three-year deal at the urban club at the beginning of the season. "This team have always been closely knit and now winning the championship has brought everyone even closer together."

Social Club's rapid transition from chumps to champs began in the pre-season when the club travelled overseas to Antigua where they underwent a rigorous training programme.

That excursion, in addition to several key transfers to the club, ultimately paid off as Social Club went on to sweep all before them.

"I knew we had to strengthen certain parts of the team and without Glenn (Blakeney), Hurdle (Kevin), Terry (Thomas), Kenny (Phillips) and Jemeiko (Marshall) we just could not have done it," he added.

"But I also have to thank our manager Dennis Hart and trainer Leroy (Curly Joe) Wilson because all of the positive things that are happening now would never have happened without the players and these two individuals."

Social Club also appear to have discovered the key to success . . . a flourishing youth programme.

"Part of my job here at the club is to also implement a junior programme as well as develop the senior team," explained Marshall.

"And so far everything is working according to plan as we now have a thriving senior team and an under-15 youth team that has also been doing extremely well. It's very important to have a junior programme in order to ensure continuity."

Marshall added: "One of our objectives this season was to develop an excellent programme. That's what happened and that's why we are now seeing some positive results."

Social Club are now gunning for the First Division two-day championship, something the club can achieve with a win over Flatts on August 7 and 8. Then there's the Central Counties Cup competition, yet to be officially scheduled, in which the newly crowned First Division limited overs champions will seek even further success.

For the first time in the club's history, Social Club, in player/coach Marshall, fast bowler Hurdle and master -blaster Blakeney, have three players representing Bermuda at the international level or featuring in Cup Match.