It all boiled down to the final match of the season for Hayling Island CC 1st XI. A victory would ensure they maintain their Hampshire Cricket League County Division One status but, as the four teams occupying the relegation spots below them were playing each other on the last weekend, defeat could mean relegation. Sadly, that is what occurred.
Despite that, skipper Mike Lever can hold his head high, having lead from the front. On top of his 15 wicket haul, he has, for the first time, broken the 500 barrier with 561 runs in the season. Mike Hallett (427) and Gary Martin (347) have been his most stalwart support on the batting front, this pair adding an unbroken third wicket stand of 270 in one game. On the bowling front, Dave Wayman has lead the way with 21 wickets.
The 2nd XI reached the giddy heights of table toppers but finished eight in Regional Division Two South. Due to the league undergoing restructuring, they are likely to be in a higher division in 2017. “Josey” Wells proved a fine acquisition making 401 runs in just seven innings. The “man beast” that is Jason Longhurst finished streets ahead in the bowling with 25 wickets.
Sunday’s saw the HICC’ers in more relaxed mode; “Steelers Sticklebacks” are a happy little bunch and who had a brief season all the briefer, sadly, by the seeming loss of interest in people turning out to play friendly cricket, not only for Hayling but for our opponents as well; five games were called off due to lack of numbers. I have seen this trend across the south-east and at HICC, we will look to reverse it when our fledging Colts section gets a bit older and more cricket savvy - we are exceedingly grateful to Ben Johnson for all his efforts in moving a very young and enthusiastic bunch forward.
As for our midweek XI, “Watto’s Weirdoes” are in with a shout of a trophy! They will compete against Railway Triangle for the Portsmouth Midweek League Shield. Best of luck, guys (and maybe gals!) with this game now due to be played at the start of the 2017 season!
In the deep, dark months of winter, some of the lads turn out in the Indoor 6- a-side league at Fareham, thus ensuring that they don’t completely rust up. Come January 16th 2017, we will be netting at Warblington School between 7:30pm and 9:00pm with nets scheduled for every Monday up to the 22nd April. I would implore anyone interested to come along, have a net, meet us and, who knows, sign on for season 2017.