Broadwater are celebrating their return to the top flight after the dire weather sealed their promotion from division two.

The Worthing side's home match against Barns Green was abandoned in the ninth over just after Fitzroy Hodges bowled Martin Hennock to leave the visitors on 22-1.

It was enough to give Broadwater eight points and, combined with other cancellations, secured their second successive promotion.

Skipper Joe Middleton hailed his side's effort after they dominated their division from the start, suffering just two reverses.

He said: "Promotion was our aim at the start of the season and even when we lost two successive matches we were well ahead.

"It has been a team effort, everyone has played well and the bowlers have been superb. Joe Owen has 40 wickets so far which is a club record. We also have a tremendous team spirit which is probably our best aspect."

Broadwater need just 12 points from their remaining two matches to be sure of the championship and Middleton is confident his team can achieve that feat away at Keymer and Hassocks this weekend.

Indeed, Middleton is even looking ahead to next season which will be the team's first campaign in division one for 15 years.

He added: "I am confident we can hold our own. We will be looking to add to the squad and I believe we can make a real impression on the league."

The weather decimated Saturday's cricketing programme, with only one match in the top four divisions of the league reaching completion.

Pagham drew with visitors Arundel in division one.

The home side batted first at Nyetimber Lane and made 233-7, despite being 70-5 at one stage.

Mark Woolnough and Chris Hayden put on 50 for the second wicket and skipper Craig Primmer (67 not out) and Steven Vaughan (57) enjoyed a fruitful stand for the seventh wicket.

In reply Arundel recovered from 9-3 to hold out at 97-9 to frustrate Pagham as Vaughan took 6-19.

Had Pagham won they would have closed the gap on leaders Findon to just five points but following the draw they remain 20 points adrift and their title chances are receding rapidly.

Primmer said: "It was disappointing not to win because we only needed one more wicket. It's terribly frustrating because we outclassed them in all departments.

"I'm afraid it's going to be pretty tough to win the league now. We have to pray a few results go our way. At the very worst we want the runners-up spot. I'll be happy with that."

Second position would be a magnificent improvement for Pagham who finished ninth last term. Primmer's charges have pushed Findon hard and are the only team to have beaten the champions this year.

Pagham's unexpected loss at lowly Southwick two weeks ago appears to have cost them and they could be pipped by Arundel for second spot.

Arundel's Neil Chitty said: "They had the rub of the green because we had to bowl in the rain for about an hour and they were able to rattle off the runs.

"We were struggling a bit in reply but I think we were determined we weren't going to lie down and hand it to them."

Findon were 81-2 at home to Clymping when the rain forced the players off at Long Furlong.

Ifield's home game with Burgess Hill was abandoned after the visitors were dismissed for 146 in the 43rd over.

Pulborough's match with Petworth Park was halted with the bottom side on 125-9 in division two. Nathan Kerridge made 47 for Park but Jerry Wakeford faced 60 balls for his one not out.

Mike Burroughs was left high and dry at Slinfold in division three. The Billingshurst batsman was on 49 not out in their 80-2 when the game was rained off.

Broadbridge Heath had Rustington reeling at 61-9 at home after Craig Ronaldson took 7-28 but the rain spoiled his day.