IT was a double celebration when Bury East 1st XI took on Redvales in the top-of-the-table clash at St Pauls Primary School.

With both sides already promoted, Bury East went into their final league match of the season leading the race for the Division Two title by four points, albeit having played a game more.

However, the champions-elect lost 167-97 to second-placed Redvales in the potential title decider.

It was Bury East's fourth defeat of the season and it opened the door for Redvales to go level on points with them at the top with victory against Brocks XI A two days later.

The two teams will now play-off for the league title.

"We had a bad night at the office," said Bury East secretary Graham Jebb.

"We didn't play particularly well.

"Shannon Rhodes was our player of the match.

"She bowled very well and was top scorer on the night.

"For Redvales, captain Fran Woods did a lot of the damage with the ball in the second innings."

Despite the defeat, Jebb was delighted with his side's promotion to Division One.

"We haven't been out of the top three or four places all season so promotion is well deserved," he said.

"It will be our fourth time in Division One next season.

"In the past it has always shown then we are a very good Division Two side but a particularly weak Division One side.

"We are hoping to change that next year."

The first team's promotion is not the only success for Bury East this season.

"It has been a good year overall for the club," said Jebb.

"The second team are Division Five champions and were also runners-up in the Gala Day this year.

"The third team are Division Seven champions and, although our newly-formed fourth team took some time to get going, they did win a couple of games towards the end of the season."