CRICKET: Billericay are celebrating promotion from Essex League Division One.

Saturday’s eight wicket win against Gidea Park & Romford made sure of a second placed finish for Ross Poulton’s side.

And the skipper is full of praise for his players.

“I’m massively proud of the team,” said Poulton.

“Apart from a few old guys like myself and Rob (Rayner) the majority of the team is 21 and under so it’s a huge credit to them to be able to perform at such a consistently high level throughout the whole season despite their young age.”

The race for promotion went right until the final day of the season.

But Billericay ultimately finished 10 points clear of third placed Upminster.

And Poulton feels an early defeat eventually worked in his team’s favour.

“I think losing the first game of the season comprehensively gave us a massive kick up the backside,” said Poulton.

“It enabled us to focus our minds on the goals we wanted to achieve this season and bring our game to the level we’d have to in order to do so.

“From that point on we didn’t lose a game all season.”

And Billericay where massively helped by their overseas star Grant Roelofsen where that was concerned.

“In fairness I can’t not mention our overseas Grant who, in his second season for the club, has been nothing short of astonishing again,” said Poulton.

“But credit has to go to all the boys as every time they step on that pitch they give nothing less than 100 per cent.

“It’s been tremendously tough and one slip up could have been the difference between us finishing second or third.”

Billericay will now regroup before lining up in the Premier Division next season.

And Poulton is expecting a big step up in standard.

“Yes, it’s huge,” said Poulton “We’ve been up there before so we know what to expect but it’s down to us to ensure we are at the level for us not just to stay up but compete.

“I think we have more than enough talent in the squad and I have every confidence that they will perform in the Prem next season.”