The result of the match at Exeter means both Chichester and Newquay & Par cannot be caught by the chasing pack and will occupy the two promotion spots to move into division two next season.

The only previous time Chichester have reached such a standard was in 2001 and 2002, when a talented but small squad of athletes did not have the depth to cope.

However, a more experienced squad and the promising juniors making their way into the senior team means the step up should not be as difficult this time.

Once again, it was a great all-round team effort that secured an 18-point victory over nearest rivals Team Kennet, with Team Dorset trailing in third.

Chichester were sent on their way by maximum points from the first event of the day, in which Neil Simpson and Shane Mott were too good for their rivals in the shot.

The pair repeated their success in the hammer, javelin and discus for a clean sweep and a maximum tally of 32 points – for only the second time in the club's history.

Mott was ousted in the pole vault but equalled his season's best of 3.10m for second place, with Alex White again picking up first place in the B string, and showed his versatility by winning the long jump with a 6m effort partnered by Jonny Lowe winning the B string.

Lowe and David Bourne notched up a clean sweep in the triple jump, with both around the 12m mark.

An equally impressive start came on the track, with junior George Grainger putting in a good performance in the 400m hurdles, partnered by Bourne, scoring a maximum points tally.

The pair dropped just a point in the 800m.

White and Michael Dixon continued their fine season in the sprints and James Baker and Conor McClarnon completed the picture in the middle-distance events by posting a double in the 5,000m, with Baker scoring another triple success by winning the 1,500m and steeplechase.

Even though promotion is assured Chichester will look to field the strongest team possible in the final match of the season at Abingdon in early August, where the top three in the league will do battle and Chichester or Newquay will be champions.

- PHIL BAKER