WOOLSTON Rovers have achieved promotion.

They will join neighbours Crosfields in National Conference League Division One next season.

The Green and Golds did it the hard way, travelling to Dewsbury to face Shaw Cross Sharks in the Play-Off Final and winning 14-12 in a thrilling contest played in pouring rain on Saturday afternoon.

Hooker Adam Files crossed for Rovers' first try just before half time, with stand-off Craig Lawton converting.

After falling behind, it was second-row Dan Fearnley's 70th-minute try and Lawton's conversion that levelled matters again.

Lawton kicked the winning penalty goal in the 79th minute.

But in a nerve-jangling finale Shaw Cross missed a last-gasp penalty attempt.

Rovers head coach Billy Sheen said: "It is by far the best day of my rugby career.

"It was a game about defence, which most play-off games are.

"We concentrated on defending a lot this season, especially during the play offs and it has paid off.

"They threw the kitchen sink at us all of the game but only managed to breach our line twice.

"Their sideline was very loud; a few hundred there with drums and speakers but we spoiled the party.

"Our lads just stayed composed throughout and got the job done.

"We failed at this stage last year and learnt our lesson; it is a simple case of having to lose a final to win one and we did that.

"I’m immensely proud of the lads and they deserve this promotion.

"It's been a long season with plenty of ups and downs. We have used over 40 players which shows inconsistency but we have managed to stay in the hunt.

"We have a lot of hard work to do now before next season. We need to look hard on recruitment and hopefully get an under 18s side to support the open age.

"It’s a brilliant day for the club and hopefully sends us in the right direction going forward.”

Rovers head of rugby Mal Holt added: “It was a fitting way to end a long hard season. A last gasp winner was very sweet.

"It was a tough game played in terrible conditions. The lads stuck to their task and come away with a hard-fought win and then the celebrations began.

"We took a good number of supporters with us and I thank everyone for getting behind the lads. The hard work starts now as we prepare for life in Division One.”

Rovers: James Tarpey; Alex Pendlebury, Kieran Moore, Sam Vernon, Tom Byrne; Craig Lawton, Dec Leonard; Harry Files, Adam Files, Ryan Hickman, Scott Whiteley, Dan Fearnley, Ryan Brown. Subs: Cameron Davies, Ryan Palin, Kyle Cherrett, Matt Taylor.