METHODISTS secured promotion after gaining a thrilling four-run home victory over Bristol Asians.

Methodists, batting first, found the low bounce a big problem. An early wicket fell to a ball which shot along the floor, before skipper Alex Nash and all-rounder Craig Eyles added 26 for the second. 

Four more batters were then dismissed cheaply, as Sajid Nadeem (2-17) and Zahid Nadeem (2-42) chipped away at the Methodists' line-up - the only one not in difficulties being Nash..

A crucial sixth-wicket stand of 94 in 12 overs with 'keeper Dave Sackett (13) put the hosts back in the driving seat, before Khalid Boota (2-45) finally snuck one through, bowling Nash for a magnificent 121. A late flurry of activity then saw the last five wickets fall for eleven runs, as Zeeshan Sadiq (3-8) wrapped the innings up for 181.

Sunny Khalid (32) and Rizwan Pervaiz added 55 for the third wicket when Bristol Asians batted. Two strikes in one over for Eyles (2-23) kept the match alive, but Rizwan (60) and Zeeshan (30) helped get the total to 157-5 by the 31st over. A timely run-out then opened the door for Methodists, before accurate bowling from Ish Fairoz (3-24) and Nash (2-19), saw the tourists slide to 177 all out.