LECHLADE will be plying their trade in the top flight of West of England Premier League next season after being crowned Premier Two Glos/Wilts champions despite their clash with Warminster being washed out.

Torrential rain on Saturday meant that once the heavens opened at the Manor Ground there was no way that Freddie Martin’s side were going to be able to press home their advantage.

Lechlade, led by 14-year-old left-arm leg-spinner Harvey Jupp (4-13), had the visitors all at sea at 48-6 before the rain had everyone running for cover.

With no more chance of play, the Lechlade players were glued to Twitter to keep an eye on proceedings at Gloucester City Winget as they hosted second-placed Cheltenham and as the result came in Martin and his players started their title celebrations.

The Spa Ground hosts were bowled out for 152 and while there was a small shower in Gloucester, Cheltenham were bowled out for 106 chasing a revised total of 150.

“Cheltenham were keeping their Twitter feed updated throughout their game so we were all glued to that,” Martin said.

“As their wickets started to fall the happier we got. I think it was around 5.30 when the result came in.

“We were at the New Inn in Lechlade so we had a bit of a party – Sunday was a bit of struggle.”

Martin, who took over the captaincy reins from Joe Breet in the winter, was delighted to see young Jupp lead their charge.

The teenager, who attends Abingdon School and plays age group cricket for Gloucestershire, was brought into the attack with the visitors at 20-1.

However, with the weather only allowing him 35 balls it was remarkable afternoon for the youngster.

“Harvey is away with his school for the first half of the season and then he plays for us for the second half,” Martin said.

“He bowled superbly, I just wished the rain could have held off for him to get his first five-fer for us.

“Harvey can spin the ball both ways, when I face him I have no idea what I’m going to get – that is his greatest strength.”

Swindon’s trip to Marlborough in WEPL Wiltshire was rained off after 13 overs with the hosts at 34-2, while Purton were in a bit off trouble in their match with Trowbridge at 47-3 when the game was cancelled after 13.3 overs.