Southampton Rangers added some icing to their already sweet season last night, pipping Hamilton Parish for the First Division crown.

Both teams won their matches to be tied on 35 points - Rangers trouncing Prospect 4-0 and Parish winning 2-0 over St. George's - but Rangers took the title by a three-goal advantage in goal difference.

The night unfolded as a tale of two grounds with Rangers playing at BAA Field, while Parish's battle took place around the corner at St. John's Field. Throughout the evening news filtered back and forth - cell phones working overtime - as fans at both locations kept track of proceedings at the other venue.

Meshach Wade started the ball rolling for Rangers scoring in the 38th minute before LeMar Seymour added two more on either side of the half. Hard-working striker Neville Grant added the final fireworks in the 89th minute.

Finally, at minutes to 11 p.m., the wait was over and Rangers players, management and supporters celebrated with abandon. For them it was double delight as their success heralded a triumphant return to Premier Division football.

Soaking wet from a traditional congratulatory bath of cold water by his players, Rangers coach Nick Jones revelled in his team's victory.

"Our number one goal was to get promotion and we did that and we've now gone about 11 games without being defeated, other than in the FA Cup which we threw away unfortunately. Winning the title is a bonus," he declared.

Jones congratulated his players for doing "a great job" of bouncing back from being fifth at Christmas and 11 points adrift of the lead. He paid tribute to the roles played by Wade, Herbie Dillas and goalie Gerald Simons throughout the campaign.

Rangers captain Eugene Pitt was equally ecstatic as he relished the prospect of facing the likes of North Village and Devonshire Cougars.

"We've come a long way and it's good to win again, especially for the young guys who are coming through. We've got a good side with a lot of depth and it was a team effort. Things are looking up for Rangers."

Meanwhile, Parish's fans left St. John's Field frustrated as their team blew chance after chance in a game which they dominated.

Instead of emerging convincing winners, Parish's inept attack struck only twice; goals coming from Irving Burgess after 32 minutes and Jemeiko Marshall in the 63rd minute.

Parish skipper, Damon Edwards, was disgusted with his team's showing.

"Our forwards didn't finish well at all. We should have won by nine goals and I am very disappointed.

"I am happy that we are promoted to the Premier Division, but I would have liked to have won the league title instead of finishing second, that's for sure," said Edwards. "We went into the game with intentions of winning, (but) a lot of guys weren't focused enough. We definitely need some goalscorers for next season."