The 1st XI’s 2017 season is certainly one to remember and celebrate.
It culminated in our promotion to the top division – back where we belong! However, it didn’t come without a bit of luck! In April, we got off to a rocky start and lost all of our pre-season games and our first league match! Thereafter things improved and we won the next 5 games in a row, including a miraculous win against top of the table, Withyham.
There were some brilliant performances from many players throughout the season but one of the very best came from Harry Dunmall at Cudham Wyse who were our biggest rivals for second place in the division. Defending 236, Harry took out the top 4, and then two more mid-innings when Cudham’s captain was looking dangerous. We won comfortably and Harry finished with 6 for 38, the best figures by a Speldhurst seamer since 2008.
A virtuoso individual performance from Pat Green (3-49 and 92*) helped us avenge our earlier defeat to Outwood and so we needed just one point from the last game of the season to gain promotion. Having been put into bat away at Locksbottom, we rather limped to our first batting point but promotion was sealed. We went on to win a tight game and it was back to the George and Dragon to celebrate.
My thanks to our two umpires Mr P Wood and Mr D Glass and to all who played this year. It has been a pleasure playing alongside you all every Saturday.
James Hughes, 1st XI Captain
Speldhurst Cricket Club 