Bournville Head Coach Alex Grove admitted that winning the Regional One Midlands title with two matches still to play came as an unexpected bonus.
The visit of second-placed Newport to Avery Fields on March 28 had long been seen as the potential title-decider but Bourns guaranteed top spot and an immediate return to the National Leagues by winning 28-27 at Banbury while Newport went down 34-31 against Bridgnorth at Forton Road.
That combination of results gave Bourns an unassailable 11 points lead at the top of the table and allowed the celebrations to start a week earlier than anticipated.
“We were aware of the maths and what we needed to do up to the end of the season,” Grove said.
“Our focus was solely on trying to beat Banbury and get five points. Once we did that it was then the case of looking at the other scores in the league.
“For some reason the Newport v Bridgnorth result was the last one to come through. There were rumours that Bridgnorth had won but it took a very long time before we had confirmation. I even tried phoning the Newport clubhouse but the number listed on their website went through to the answer phone of a local nursery.
“So, having celebrated our win, we had a second celebration knowing that we had won the league.
“We didn’t expect to win it this week for sure but we will enjoy the celebrations and then get ready to face Newport next week.”
Bourns will face Newport looking to complete the perfect home record of 11 wins out of 11, something Grove believes will be important as they prepare for the demands of National League rugby.
“We are unbeaten at home this season and that is something that we are really proud of. It’s also something that we want to double down on next season and make Avery Fields a real fortress for us.”
The jubilation in the visitors’ dressing room at Banbury was in sharp contrast to the mood in the camp 12 months ago when Bourns were relegated a month before the end of the season.
Improved away form – they have won seven out of ten on the road this season compared to just one in the 2024/25 campaign – has also contributed to achieving promotion but Grove also credits the commitments of his players.
The vast majority committed to this season 12 months even after relegation had been confirmed with the intention of righting some wrongs.
“Our clearly stated aim from day one was to get promotion so, in that sense, it is mission accomplished,” he said.
“A lot of lads stuck around last years to do the job of getting us back up. We don’t under-estimate the size of the task that lies ahead for us, but the guys have bought into everything we have done this season and they deserve a huge amount of credit for that.
“We got a really good group of individuals as well as good rugby players. You need both if you are going to achieve anything. But it’s been a pleasure to work with such a good group of blokes. We now need to make sure that as many as possible stay with us next season.”
