DRYBROOK chairman and team manager Chris Rawlings admitted there was a worried moment of deja vu during the Squirrel’s season closer at Newent.

But the Squirrels shook off the ghosts of derby day past to run out 34-10 winners at the Rec and claim the South West One West title.

Rawlings expressed his delight at the club reaching the old National Leagues in the South West Premier division for the first time in its history – and to do it in the 125th anniversary season no less.

“You couldn’t haven written it any better,” he said.

“To reach the old National Leagues – something we’ve never done – and in the 125th anniversary year is special.”

Drybrook trailed 5-0 before earning a 14-3 lead but having butchered a number of try-scoring opportunities, Rawlings wondered if his side would fall behind once more to Newent.

“When it got back to 14-10 just after half-time you worry; ’oh no, not again’” he said.

“Newent have had the better of us the last few occasions and that’s what it was like the first game of the season.

“We were in control and they came back. But this time we stuck to it and once we got the third try that was it, we knew we were close.

“Then we got the fourth and everyone went ballistic. But Newent are a good side and they’re great at pushing you until the very end.

“The lads really wanted this. They’ve played great rugby all year and we can’t wait to go to some new grounds next season.”