Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club have achieved promotion to the County Championship First Division after securing the points they needed yesterday, during their four-day game with Durham at Trent Bridge.

The home side scored the four batting points required en-route to a tenth highest ever Notts tally of 662/5 declared, before putting their opponents in bat, taking three more points to edge away in the title race, from their nearest challenger Middlesex who could still take the top spot if they beat Worcestershire, which is likely, and Notts fail to win.

With just one day remaining of the season, Notts need just eight wickets to take the title trophy with Durham overnight 14 for 2 and chasing an impossible 563 to win.

The table toppers were in stunning form from day one with four centurions standing up to be counted, Haseeb Hameed scoring 115 with Matthew Montgomery 178. Lyndon James ending 164 not out as Notts declared their huge tally after losing skipper Steven Mullaney on 136.

In response, Notts bowled out Durham for just 207 with three wickets each for Dane Paterson and Liam Patterson-White. They chose not to enforce the follow up, adding a further 121 before putting Durham into bat, a move that didn’t go down too well with supporters, and one the club hope won’t cost them pipping Middlesex to the title.

All going well it should be a day of celebration for Nottinghamshire today, with free entry at Trent Bridge for fans, hopefully seeing their team secure the championship, along with their promotion.

Captain Steven Mullaney stating “Absolutely delighted with this for all the hard work so many people have put in. But we ain’t finished. We want to finish with a big win.”

*Main image @TrentBridge Dane Paterson celebrates as Notts gain promotion.