Coach John Wells admitted it was an emotional moment when the final whistle sounded at Heworth on Saturday and signalled Egremont were back in the NCL Premier Division.
Wells, the former head of youth at the Gillfoot Park club, had taken over the senior role three years ago and last season Rangers lost their place in the top flight.
He said: “It was very satisfying to clinch promotion at the first attempt, especially with a group of lads who have come through the system at the club and I had coached as youngsters.
“Over the last few years we have lost 15 international players and most clubs would struggle in those circumstances.
“I’m pleased to say that the players have bought into what we wanted to do this season and have been totally committed to doing as qell as they could.
“We had a meeting before the season started and asked them what they would regard as success and how best to achieve it.
“During the season we have had lads finishing night shift and getting right onto a bus to travel away for a game – sometimes as far as Hull – and then when we got back they were off on night shift.
“We told lads to look at the fixture list and on free weekends suggest to their girlfriends about taking a holiday then instead of when there were games.
“Over the last 15 games of the season we won 14 of them and in 13 of those we scored over 40 points. The rugby we played was open and exciting with some terrific tries.”
At Heworth it was a battle royal between second and third with Egremont knowing a win would guarantee them runners-up and they achieved their objective with a 26-24 win.
It had been all square 12-12 at half-time with Sam Appleby and Fraser McNee grabbing the Egremont tries, both converted by Kristian Taylor.
Heworth went 18-12 in front but the West Cumbrians came back level with a try from skipper Kieran Glenn and then edged in front with a penalty goal from Tyson.
Nine minutes from the end Heworth had a man yellow-carded – their second of the game – and Tyson went over for a try which he converted to push Egremont eight points clear.
Although Heworth did score a converted try with two minutes to go Egremont held their nerve and were able to celebrate a thoroughly deserved promotion.
Delighted, but emotional coach Wells, has since confirmed that he is standing down next season but will still be very much involved at the club he has served since he played over 30 years ago.
He has been mentoring son Charlie and Rhys Davies, his assistant coaches, and they are likely to fill similar roles next season when a new coach is named.
“We have a vision of where we want the club to be in five/10 years and it’s all exciting stuff. Plans will be revealed in due course and with the commitment the players showed this season and the natural enthusiasm of people at the club, I’m sure they will be realised,” said a hugely satisfied retiring head coach.
