Kent confirmed their return to the top table of county cricket for the first time since 2010 with victory over Glamorgan at Canterbury.
Young batsman Zak Crawley, who scored an imperious 168 in Kent’s only turn with the bat, and 42-year-old Darren Stevens, who sealed the win with his 21st career five-for, were the stars as the hosts ran out the victors by an innings and 172 runs.
Glamorgan were bundled out for 186 and then 78 in their two innings.
With Sussex also in action, Kent had to wait to see whether the seaside county could earn a fifth batting point against Warwickshire to delay any promotion celebrations until the final set of fixtures.
As it turned out, Sussex could only score 343-9 and Kent subsequently knew of their fate, their tenth win of the season ensuring that they will compete in division one next season for the first time in nine years.
Kent now face a final game title showdown with second placed Warwickshire at Edgbaston.
Glamorgan, meanwhile, are 30 points adrift at the bottom of division two with only the single win to their name.
Kent captain Sam Billings said: “It’s been a monumental effort from everyone in the club, a whole squad effort and the team camaraderie has been special.
“I’ve never played Division One Championship cricket and it’s always been my ambition, so I’m tremendously proud that this team has taken Kent back to the level of English cricket that this great club feels it belongs.
“This is only a start – promotion is fine but we want to win the Championship at Warwickshire, then focus on next year.”
