WHITCHURCH Cricket Club is celebrating winning promotion to the Senior Division of the Bristol and District League for the first time in its 101-year history.
It clinched the first division title by beating Hampset in Bath and closest rivals Cleeve, which meant they won 11 of the 13 matches played.
Captain Ben Jefferies led from the front, finishing as top run scorer in the league with 537 runs at an average of 53.70. James England was best bowler in the division with 25 wickets at a strike rate of 18.80 and an average of 14.44.
Wicket-keeper Nick Beedell took the most victims in the league with five stumpings and 13 catches. His two sons Charlie and Will are also in the young first team, with 14-year-old leg spinner Hayden Williams also picking up 23 wickets with a strike rate of 17.26 in his first full season at this level.
Jefferies said: “It’s a great achievement for the club, after finally making it out of Division 1, a league where everyone really beats everyone and, as proven by us, it’s easy to get stuck in.
“I’m proud as first-team skipper to be able to move the club forwards on the pitch with all the hard work that’s gone on, off of it.
“This year we really focused on training better, working hard for each other and improving our skills. With a young squad, to be able to show hard work pays off is a great personal success, and something I aim to continue pushing towards for next year.”
Whitchurch Cricket Club win promotion at last
