PLAYERS from East Lancs Paper Mill and Radcliffe were left singing in the rain after Saturday’s finale of the Greater Manchester Cricket League was rendered a washout.

ELPM clinched the Division Four West title and Radcliffe sealed promotion from Division Three when bad weather forced the abandonment of every match in the fixture programme.

Captain Paul Hewart helped to guide the Millers to more than 100 points as they beat rivals Roe Green seconds to top spot.

“It’s a fantastic feeling to go up as champions,” said Hewart. “The main focus all season was to get promoted but we have proved over the full season that we were the best team in the division and deservedly finished top.

“I believe, with the players we have at the club, we could easily hold our own in Division Three or possibly higher. We proved that by our great run to the semi-finals of the Championship Cup.

“There have been lots of great individual performances, but it would be wrong to single out anybody as it was just a fantastic team effort.

“Our thoughts are already on next year and hopefully back-to-back promotions.”

Radcliffe finished third in Division Three to clinch an instant return to Division Two after suffering relegation last season.

“Everything has clicked – on and off the pitch,” said captain Michael Farley. “To go from finishing rock bottom last year to winning promotion has been the result of a great effort from everybody at the club.”