North Norfolk Squash Club have already done enough to secure promotion to Division One of the Norfolk Squash League for the first time in their history.

North Norfolk Squash Club have already done enough to secure promotion to Division One of the Norfolk Squash League for the first time in their history.

A brilliant win at Barnham Broom saw the tiny Holt club put enough distance between themselves and promotion rivals Oasis to make their elevation a certainty.

When Neil Foster led off with a rapid 3-0 win for his 11th straight victory of the season, the writing was on the wall for the home team.

North Norfolk's No 1 Martin Guppy produced the game of the evening as he battled to a thrilling 3-2 victory over an opponent who appeared to be able to match Guppy's all-action style shot for shot. Guppy's recovery from a one-sided first game was one of the best comebacks of the campaign.

No 5 Jeremy Bolam was rarely troubled by an inexperienced opponent while Grant Gooden made hard work of winning the crucial points but still put away an opponent of great ability 3-1.

The evening's only loser was captain Tim Perry, who let slip a 2-0 lead to go down 3-2, but the 19 points gained by his side provided consolation.

It has been a fantastic season for the Holt side who have been greatly boosted by the return to Norfolk of Martin Guppy. With the former Cromer player installed at No 1, the rest of the team have been able to move down the order. Guppy has been almost unbeatable whilst Tim Perry has more than justified his elevation to the No 2 berth with some terrific wins.

At Nos 3 and 4 North Norfolk have been incredibly strong with former top-of-the-order players, Grant Gooden and Neil Foster looking far too good for most of their opponents. Foster has been unbeaten all season, winning most of his matches 3-0. At No 5 the old man of the side, Jeremy Bolam, has rarely been pushed, losing just twice.

Next season in the heady reaches of Division One may prove as temporary as Norwich's recent visit to the Premiership, but for now the Holt side will be able to revel in their unexpected success.