WIMBORNE Wayfarers are celebrating a second consecutive promotion in South League hockey.

Undefeated Hampshire League champions 12 months ago, Wimborne finished their debut season in Hampshire/Surrey Regional Division Two as runners-up to runaway champions Reigate Priory.

Second place assured a slot in Regional Division One next autumn – the highest position the club has ever achieved in the South League pyramid.

Boosted by five straight victories at the start of the campaign, Wimborne went on to on 14 of their 22 matches and finish one point above third-placed London Academicals.

Wayfarers had wobbled in the new year and, having lost 5-2 to Addiscombe in early March, looked like surrendering their promotion place. However, the Surrey club subsequently lost their last four matches.

Wimborne’s superb 5-1 victory over champions Reigate Priory in their penultimate game proved crucial.

Drag flick expert Todd Clarke and Sam Butterfield scored 60 of Wimborne’s 77 league goals, while midfielder Luke Smith was named player of the year.

Wimborne travel to South Premier Division One side Havant in the Hampshire Cup quarter-final tomorrow (12.30pm).