SION MILLS GAIN PROMOTION TO LEAGUE ONE

Sion Mills were crowned North West League Two champions at the weekend after an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Bready Thirds, completing their promotion push in convincing fashion.

The Tyrone side knew they needed to take care of their own business and did so with minimum fuss as Brandon O’Neill produced a devastating spell to dismantle the Bready batting. O’Neill claimed six wickets as the Magheramason side were skittled for just 47, leaving Sion Mills with a straightforward chase to complete.

Simon Galloway then ensured there would be no late nerves, striking five boundaries in a brisk 25 as Sion raced to victory for the loss of only two wickets. Their celebrations were initially dependent on the outcome of Glendermott’s fixture later in the day, but when the Waterside side were beaten, Sion Mills were confirmed as champions and secured promotion to League One for next season.

Galloway said the title represented another significant step forward for a club determined to climb back through the North West ranks.

“Sion Mills CC are delighted to see their First XI crowned Qualifying League Two champions and gain promotion to League One next season,” he said. “It’s been a tough, hard-fought season with a number of strong opponents faced along the way, but to get over the line in our last league game is a fantastic feeling and is another step towards putting Sion back where they belong.

“The aim at the start of this season was to achieve promotion and that target has now been met.”

There could yet be more silverware to come, with Sion Mills still chasing a league and cup double. They host Glendermott this weekend in the semi-final of the Qualifying Two Cup, giving them an immediate opportunity to follow their league success with another major prize.

“Of course, there is still work to do with a home tie in the semi-final of the Q2 Cup against Glendermott this coming weekend,” added Galloway. “We will be pushing all the way to reach the final and keep our hopes alive of winning another historic double. That would really be the icing on the cake of a momentous season for SMCC, both on and off the field.”

With promotion now safely secured, Sion Mills can turn their attention fully towards the cup and the possibility of ending an already memorable campaign with two trophies.