By Rob Sawyer
On 2nd September, Hurst CC had our own version of Super Saturday. The equation was simple: our 1st XI needed a win to guarantee promotion and our 2nd XI needed at least ten points to avoid being one of four teams relegated.
Away at Ifield CC, the 1s won the toss and chose to bat and had a steady start reaching 79/1 in 19 overs. Back at Fairfield things were going to plan. Having won the toss the 2s found themselves with ball in hand and taking regular St Peters wickets, never allowing their batters to gain the upper hand. Once again, and for the umpteenth time, it was Neil Crickmore who did the bulk of the damage, taking four of the top six.
Over at the home of Ifield CC, brows were being mopped and not just because of the intense heat. Almost exactly one year ago we blew our promotion chances on the last day of the season, it was starting to look like history would repeat itself. After Alex Bushell, Jimmy Llyod and skipper Matt Parsons departed, the required acceleration did not go as plan with a clatter of wickets, leaving us at 130/5 in 31 with promotion in the balance. The sound of leather on wood accompanying a late order collapse to 168 all out, not nearly enough.
At Fairfield, there was a collective sigh of relief as St Peters were bowled out for 131, supplying us with the ten points required to guarantee survival. The fact that an eventual ten run defeat was the result was irrelevant and all eyes turned to Ifield Green where the home teams reply started.
We had a great start, Oscar Harman making the breakthrough, then Jimmy Llyod took two quick wickets. Although wickets fell regularly it was looking like we would once again snatch defeat from the jaws of promotion. Step forward Alex Bushell with four wickets. Still, at 130/7, it was in the balance. In the end we did it, winning by just ten runs. Having lost out on promotion in the two previous seasons, the feeling was one of relief more than triumph although that was put aside once everyone made their way back to Fairfield for a double celebration.
All in all, season 2023, the 306th in our long history, was a successful one and as the footballers take over the pavilion and the sight screens and covers are put away, we can look forward with optimism to 2024. Have a great winter!