Newcomers CV Chargers have been crowned champions of the Evening Cricket League’s First Division after title challengers PHC fell at the final hurdle.

PHC needed a thumping win over St George’s to overtake CV Charges on net run rate — but ended up getting thumped themselves, crashing to a ten-wicket defeat at Shelly Bay, the East Enders needing only ten overs to reach their victory target of 96.

Despite the win, St George’s missed out on a place in this weekend’s knockout semi-finals after North Village secured fourth place with a 47-run over High Flyaz, Shervin Jennings making 70 not out and his opening partner Derwin Adams an unbeaten 58 in their side’s 135 for no wicket.

Somers Carr, captain of CV Chargers, was delighted with his side’s promotion to the Premier League, where De Wicketest have been relegated after one season in the top flight.

“We’ve really enjoyed our debut season and I’m very proud of our guys for achieving promotion in our first attempt,” Carr said.

“We’re very excited for the play-offs [knockout], but even more so, next season, when we hope to put in a challenge for the Premier League.”

In the top flight, BCB Academy leapfrogged Renegades into third place, beating them by 23 runs, after Dalin Richardson struck seven fours and a six in his 41-ball 55 while adding 63 for the second wicket with Charles Trott, who made 40, in the Academy’s 139 for five.

In reply, Renegades made a bright start with opener Matthew Spencer making 40 and his partner Ryan Miller 28, before number three Durnferd Davis added 27, but the Academy restricted them to 116 for nine.

This season’s knockout finals will be held at Somerset Cricket Club on September 14, in a switch from Shelly Bay, the league has announced.

Because of players’ overseas school commitments, BCB Academy have given up their place to fifth-placed Fine Leg Byes, who take on league champions Tuff Dogs in Saturday’s first semi-final at Shelly Bay, with runners-up The Associates taking on Renegades in the afternoon.

Tuff Dogs are bidding to complete the league and knockout double for the fourth season running.

Southampton Oval will host the First Division semi-finals, CV Chargers facing North Village in the opener and PHC taking on Bad Byes in the second game.