Promotion back to the National League was secured for West Herts Mens’ First XI after they comfortably won 5-2 at home to Saffron Walden.

Callum Till scored twice for the Stags while Bill Gage provided a goal and two assists. Luke Frey and Adam Johnson were also on target.

Herts dominated from the off and their pressing play down both wings forced Saffron Walden further and further back before the inevitable opening goal came. Gage played the ball through for Frey and his deflection went past the keeper to open the scoring.

Gage was on hand again not long after to assist in doubling the advantage, playing the ball through for Johnson who applied the finishing touch.

There were chances for Herts to go further in front before the break from a string of penalty corners, but Walden’s defence stood strong in the closing stages of the period.

The Stags got back to scoring after the break and they put themselves out of site as excellent interplay between brothers Dan and Max Webster on two occasions set up Till to score a quickfire brace.

A slither of complacency crept in for the home side and Saffron scored twice to halve the deficit.

However, having provided the two assists in the first half, Gage got on the scoresheet himself late on as he weaved his way through the defence and flicked high beyond the keeper, sealing the side’s promotion from East Premier A.

Prior to the Mens’ First XI win, the Ladies First XI secured a 3-1 win against Basildon, while the Mens’ Second XI were relegated from East Division One after a 2-1 loss at Potter’s Bar.

The Ladies’ Second XI were 2-0 victors against Berkhamsted while the Third XI and Fourth XI both drew – 1-1 and 0-0 respectively.

The Mens’ Fifth XI survival hopes were boosted by a 3-1 win against relegated Broxbourne, and finally the Mens’ Sixth XI suffered a 5-2 defeat at Southgate.