Bedlington CC celebrate promotion after stunning 500-point title-winning campaign

Bedlington were crowned champions following a three wicket win over Warkworth on Saturday.

Four wickets from Josh Watson were supported by three from Majid Ansari as Bedlington restricted their visitors to 152 all out inside 48 overs.

In response, 46 from Nick Catt gave the title chasers a brilliant start and despite some rocky moments in the middle of the innings, knocks of 28 and 15 from Peter Roberts and Joshua Vergeest respectively saw them home in a comfortable manner.

That victory was Bedlington’s 17th in a remarkable season that saw them lift the title with one game to spare.

“I can't thank the lads enough for all their attitudes.” Captain Kevin Harnett said after his side were confirmed as title winners.

“Availability-wise, it's made my life a lot easier than it has done over previous seasons, but I suppose that comes with winning games.

“Everyone wants to play every week and see how it goes next season and the sky's the limit.

“The team that we've got at the minute is more than capable in the league above and we’re obviously looking to bring a couple of extra bodies in over the winter.

“When we've come up against Division One teams this season, on the two times we have done that, we've more than held our own.”

Bedlington also enjoyed a good run in the cup, defeating Division One side Morpeth in the quarter-final before falling to Consett in a close match.

Their team efforts led to a 500-point campaign, but were spearheaded by the aforementioned Nick Catt.

Catt has scored three centuries this season, all of them match winning knocks, during his first season at the club.

“He's probably been one of the best players that I've seen play for Bedlington,” Harnett added about the opening batsman.

“I've been playing for over 20 years at Bedlington - he's the best I've seen in the Bedlington top.”

Bedlington’s season concludes this weekend when they travel to Tillside, but it won’t be the final time that Catt features in a Bedlington shirt.

The South African has re-signed for the club ahead of their journey into Division One next year.