Brockham XI League Champions – Again!
As with all things in life; there is usually a beginning and an end. Though where these two points are actually to be found are matters for conjecture and heated philosophy, preferably over a few pints of the local brew in the local pub.
This one, for sake of argument, all started at the end of last season when the Brockham Green Cricket Club 1st XI proudly hoisted the Surrey Downs Leagues Champions Trophy for the very first time in their 132 year old history.
Ably lead by Captain Mike Tapper, this motley crew took the championship right down to the wire. It was to be decided in the last game of the season and, to really add some spice, it was a 4 way tie between Brockham, Westcott, West End Esher and Newdigate. Brockham had a 9 wicket win over Newdigate and both Westcott and West End Esher lost – Brockham were 2007 Champions.
This season, however, started out ominously as the defending champions soon lost the valuable services of their main pace bowler, Scott-Malden, to a broken collar bone against Albury. By the halfway point in the season Brockham stats read 4 Wins, 2 Losses and 3 draws – too many lost opportunities.
It seems that the trophy would go elsewhere as no other team has ever won the championship back to back.
The team looking very likely to do this were East Horsley who were romping away into the distance.
The second part of the season seemed to confirm this as the first game was lost to Old Woking and the dark clouds of gloom gathered; but maybe salvation was at hand as on the horizon some blue ones were spotted.
The team picked up its loins, and with a steely resolve looking ever forward, didn’t lose another match for the rest of the season; well except one to the weather though it was a close run thing: The rain won by 1 aborted start and a flooded pitch.
What of East Horsley? I hear you cry. It seemed that the pressure was finally getting to them and the curse of winning their first championship was upon them as they stuttered and fell at vital times; though not enough as far as Brockham were concerned.
History, they say, has a way of repeating itself; which is bad news if you thought mullet hairstyles and flares were gone forever. Only those who learn from it will prosper, and it seems there are very few who do.
It all came down to the last game of the season – again. Brockham needed a win against Albury; East Horsley a draw or win against Capel and the championship would have been sealed their way.
With maybe the felling of their pace bowler in the first encounter embossed on their memories, Brockham won a tight match against Albury; tight, as they very nearly ran out of overs towards the end in despatching the opposition.
It was very tense full hour later that the news filtered through that the champions elect had failed to win (or draw) by the slenderest of margins of just 10 runs. Thank you Capel!
Brockham Green Cricket Club 1st XI are Surrey Downs Leagues Champions for the second time in their history and the First club ever to win the Trophy back to back.
Even though it was a fantastic team effort (ably assisted with cameo appearances from the 2nd XI), there were a few worthy triumphs with the bat that should be mentioned: Gerard Weide 153 not out, Mike Tapper 102 not out, Darren Jordan 101 not out, Mike Duncan 66 not out and Jonathan Ellis with the highest seasonal average of 85.
Not to be out done, the bowlers put in some excellent performances too: Gerard Weide 7-45, Mark Haines 6-56, Chris Weill 6-32, Billy Scott-Malden 4-21 and Alex Bell 5-72.
Brockham Green Cricket Club 1
st XI – Back to back Champions (2007-2008)
Unlike most stories, we hope this one never ends…
Full results and team sheets can be found at the following link (you do not need a login to view): http://brockhamgreencc.hitscricket.com
BGCC is an open and friendly club and we are always looking for new players to join. If you fancy a go simply pop along to nets during the week, again details posted on the above website or call Mark Haines on 01403 249575.
‘The Hat’