ASTON Rowant have been given the green light to join the Home Counties Premier League.

The Oxford Times Cherwell League champions' promotion to Division 2 West was rubber-stamped at a meeting with Home Counties officials on Tuesday.

Rowant skipper Chris Hutton said: "It is all systems go. They were very keen to have us on board.

"They liked us anyway in terms of our facilities, and there is not too much travelling as we are fairly central. They were very positive, which was great."

League chairman Raymond Wood added: "The facilities are excellent and they have plans for the pavilion, so we are very happy that they fit into the system.

"We are getting a second division along the M40 now with Beaconsfield, Aston Rowant and Thame." The Home Counties are still waiting to hear if Thames Valley League champions NPL Teddington will also accept the offer of promotion.

If they decline, the opportunity will pass to runners-up Harefield.

Meanwhile, Oxford, Banbury and Henley will face new opposition in Division 1 next season in the shape of Division 2 East champions Potters Bar.

They are joined in stepping up to the top flight by Finchampstead, winners of Division 2 West, who bounce straight back following their relegation in 2002.

The two clubs promoted to Division 2 East are Sawbridgeworth and North Mymms.

The developments in the Home Counties League make it increasingly likely that there will be one club promoted and two relegated throughout the Cherwell League.