London Maccabi Vale sealed promotion into Chess Valley League Division Four despite a defeat in their final game of the season.

The LMV batsmen struggled on a slow wicket at Old Chomleans, with only Adam Brand (77) getting to grips with the St. John’s Wood attack in a score of 155.

Joe Nyman claimed a wicket with the second ball of the SJW innings, but they finished second best. Joseph Greenwall-Cohen and Grant Reingold were the other wicket-takers.

LMV are guaranteed to finish in third place, with North Mymms on course to take the title.

LMV captain Neil Lederman said: "It's a great achievement that we have gone from Division Seven to Division Four in only two seasons.

"We know can play better and more consistently, but showed, especially against Totteridge, that we are prepared to fight.

"It's been a real team effort this year - with no standout performer, although Adam Solomons, Adam Brand and Mark Landau all played a match-winning innings."

Lederman believes the future looks bright, saying: "We're now a young team - with three 40-year-olds - that will only get better each year. Half the squad that played are under 20."