Wolves clinched promotion to the Premier Division without having to kick a ball after Ireland Rangers forfeited the season finale between the two rivals at Bernard Park today.

The home side were awarded a 3-0 win and three points, which enabled them to leapfrog Robin Hood and secure the remaining promotion spot up for grabs on the final day of the 2023-24 First Division campaign.

“I think it’s been ten years since we’ve been in the Premier Division and so it’s a great day for the community and a time coming,” elated Wolves vice-president and former striker VJ Minors Jr told The Royal Gazette.

“A lot of hard seasons and it all builds up to days like today. Hard work and teamwork pays off.”

Hood were clinging to a one-point advantage over third-place Wolves heading into the final weekend but had already concluded their fixtures.

Ireland Rangers are now facing a potential ban from participating in the Bermuda Football Association’s First Division after forfeiting their last three fixtures, which included scheduled matches against Boulevard and Southampton Rangers.

According to the BFA’s General Rules “any team that defaults three (3) matches during the season will be banned from participating in any further competitions relating to the division in which the matches were defaulted for the remainder of the season.”

The BFA confirmed that Ireland Rangers forfeited their match against Southampton Rangers at Southampton Oval the previous weekend as they were unable to field a team.

Both the club and BFA have yet to comment on the latest development.

Elsewhere in the First Division, Devonshire Colts’ attempt at history was thwarted when their match against Boulevard Blazers was abandoned at half-time at Goose Gosling Field.

Colts were leading 1-0 at the interval thanks to a Keino Burch goal in the seventh minute but heavy rain forced the officials to call a halt to the game with the pitch unplayable.

The abandonment meant Colts, who needed to win to ensure they finished the season with a 100 percent record, must now wait for the BFA competitions committee to meet and decide if, or when, the match will be replayed.