IT was weekend of contrasting fortunes for two Preston sports clubs.

For Preston Hockey Club there was elation at confirming promotion from their division -- but for Preston Grasshoppers it was a day of desperate disappointment as their relegation fate was sealed.

Preston Hockey Club confirmed their return to the higher echelons of club hockey after overcoming a spirited Bebington side 4-2 to clinch the Northern Counties Division Two title on Saturday.

Trailing 2-1 to the Merseysiders at half-time, Preston, inspired by the dynamic Philip Bowman, blew the visitors away with three goals in 15 minutes of free-flowing hockey.

But remember only two years ago to this day, they were fighting to retain their existence in this league when they had to defeat Macclesfield in the final game of the season.

In little over two years, the 1st XI has been transformed into a championship winning side, thanks in main to the emergence of such talented home-grown youngsters as David Sullivan, Sam Sinclair and Adam Wilson.

During the first half, Preston were strangely subdued, possibly intimidated by the prospect of such a crucial fixture, but they quickly allayed those doubts by returning to their cavalier style of hockey that has brought them success this year.

Add the experience and guile of such consistent performers as Mark Fletcher, Simon Eccleston, Jim Blackburn and Philip Bowman and it is easy to see why Preston have triumphed over nearest rivals Bowdon.

But, the underlying reason for this season's success has been the strong Preston connection which runs through the team. Only university student Ian Brown and Mark Fletcher - who actually began playing for the club over ten years ago - began their hockey careers elsewhere.

It is easy then to imagine how the home crowd have warmed to this current team. Their support was unyielding on Saturday even if they did raise the odd eyebrow or two during the first 35 minutes!