A superb team performance saw Northchurch win their 13th match out 17 played and seal the league title. It was a close-run thing. Second placed Hoddesdon lost the same number of games (4) but secured one fewer wins due to a tied game with Letchworth. Only one point separated the two teams at the end of the season, and it was a shame that the second head-to-head was rained off in July. Match report.

2s lose to divisional champions

The 2nd XI finished with just a few points less than the 1st XI but finished outside of the promotion spots, in a very credible third place. The two teams ahead of them had exceptionally dominant seasons, but were each beaten or tied by Northchurch. More good news is that there has been healthy competition for places in the young team, with tough selection decisions most weeks and junior players pushing for spots. The future looks bright for this group of players.

Junior Presentation Night

Friday night saw the junior section get together for the last time before moving into their next age groups. Five awards were handed out to each team by the team managers and the Team of the Year cup was presented to Dan Powell’s U11s. The U11s played their first year of hard ball cricket this year and had the best time, despite facing much more experienced opposition from our big town neighbours. The U11 parents form the most incredible band of supporters and it has simply been a joy to watch them enjoying the club. It was a tough one to call as exceptional team spirit has become something of a trademark for Northchurch juniors.

Senior Presentation Night

Expertly compared by Ali, our annual awards were presented by the Chairman on Saturday night. We had an opportunity to thank all of those who work so hard to run the club, and celebrate our on-field successes, which include a league title, a third place finish, the Putman Cup and a third consecutive finals day. Arguably, the real success is that we have had 68 senior cricketers turning out for the club this year.

The Ladies’ trophy went to Jimmy Smart for his first and second hundred for the club, and his contribution to running the All Stars.

The bowling award went to Darren James for his 48 wickets, with a best of 5 for 8, which also saw him take home the Roy Kemp Cup. 1093 runs secured the batting award for Tom Garraway.

Charlie Sweeten won the Chairman’s cup for emerging junior player, having cemented a spot in the second XI.

Harry Chapman’s 34 wickets and 350 runs saw him take the 2nd XI Player of the Year award, while Matt Dawson was voted the 2s Players’ Player. Tom Garraway had a clean sweep for his weight of runs and general impact, taking the 1st XI Player of the Year trophy and Players’ Player.

The new Alan Fantham Clubman of the Year award was presented to Tom Vila for his work behind the scenes and with the junior section.

Georges v Dragons

An intra-club T20, with team names inspired by our favourite post-training boozer, closed the season at the Meadow on Sunday. It might have been a case of the morning after the Knight before for Foreshaw's Dragons, who couldn't get enough runs to keep Ronak's Georges at bay. Great fun was had by all (pictured).

Results

Sat: 1st XI away v Eversholt – Won by 8 wickets
2nd XI home v Northwood Town – lost by 8 wickets

Sun: Georges v Dragons – Georges win

That's it for another season. We hope you have enjoyed our weekly updates and look forward to starting a new decade of cricket in 2020. Watch this space for news on winter socials.