GROVE captain James Eckert was a proud man to lead his side to promotion – 11 years after achieving that feat first time around.

A young Eckert scored a try as Grove beat Oakmedians in the Southern Counties play-off on April 27, 2002.

And he was relishing the moment after they saw off Trowbridge 39-20 at the same stage on Saturday.

“It was exactly 11 years ago that I scored at this end and we went up,” said the loose-head prop.

“I am really happy we achieved promotion again.

“With the boys we have got here, it is a season later than it might have been to go up.

“I am really proud to lead these guys.

“There are some I have known all my life.”

While Grove have often scored tries for fun, including 35 from wing Guy Nicholl, Eckert stressed that togetherness had been a key part of their success.

“These are a special group of boys,” he said.

“There are no superstars, but we all work hard for each other.”

Having threatened to challenge for promotion before falling short in their previous three seasons, Grove held it together much better this time around.

“It has been great to watch this squad mature,” said Eckert.

“Last year, our inexperience cost us the league.

“But this season, especially after Christmas, we have really grown.”

Head coach Craig Burrows said Grove’s promotion was well deserved.

“They have worked so hard on their skills and fitness this year,” said Burrows, who took over as head coach in summer 2011.

“You could see that from winning the final six league games.

He added: “Second year as coach, first promotion. You can’t argue with that!

“Promotion was always the target. We will now look to kick on and keep the squad together.”