By Matthew Panting

Aylesford Bulls are celebrating promotion to London 1 South where they will come up against rivals Maidstone this season.

Bulls’ promotion comes after Halifax withdrew from the national leagues which earned a reprieve for Haywards Heath, who were due to play in London 1 South.

As a result, Bulls, who were the best-placed team at their level not promoted, have been moved up a division. Their place in London 2 South East subsequently has been taken by Norwich.

Aylesford chairman Roger Williams said: "This news out of the blue is fantastic. When we lost the play-off last season to Wimbledon, I was gutted for everyone at the club and we were all down.

"When the RFU did their review, we had the best record and were able to gain promotion.

"We now face the challenge of consolidating our position and building again for the future."

Bulls, who are expected to take over Haywards Heath’s fixtures, will play against Maidstone, Gravesend and Tunbridge Wells in the new division.

The game at home to Maidstone is due to take place on Saturday, October 24 with the return fixture on Saturday, February 13.

Bulls will start their campaign on Saturday, September 5 with a home game against Sidcup. Maidstone entertain Old Elthamians while Tunbridge Wells make the trip to Beckenham.