Ten man Hyde at home in a reverse of the last game of 2017. An Alex Townend hundred that day set up a win. Unchanged and having breakfasted together, the toss was won and Hyde donned their pads. Wiggy blasting down hill and Brayno the other end. The two youthful Hyde openers made Wiggy look old and they confidently set about their task of run building.

Luke Young played particularly well as the pair built a 50 run partnership before Wiggy struck. One down courtesy of a return catch. Brayno bowled brilliantly once again and troubled the right handers but the left handed Young played him well. As Dan let Noah Vickery loose (yes Noah!) and he replaced Wiggy himself, two quick wickets fell. One LBW to the skipper the other to Noah - his first league wicket.

Fishy and Dan toiled away and bowled tightly but some misfortune and poor fielding let Hyde get away and as Young passed 50, something special was needed to eek him out. Joe Killoran provided the magic by running him out with a direct hit from distance. Fine fielding. Dan deflected one on to the stumps for another run out but Ebbrell was starting to clear the fence. Fishy finally took a wicket and Dan a second before Wiggy came on to blast out the tail and he removed Ebbrell 67.

Tea. Hmmm

No dramas...but George out early once again. Dil and Noah trying to push on. Super shot selection from both but Dil (21) out having passed 500 runs for the season. Reg and Noah carried on the building by working the ball around and rotating the strike. Some tight bowling but nothing too threatening. Noah (28) was on the end of a very dubious LBW. The youngster has had a great season scoring over 400 runs in the league and cementing his spot in the order. Reg too has had a fine season overall and he showed his class once more with an excellent 30. Runs increasing but wickets falling to the point where 82 were needed but only 2 wickets remained: Alex Townend and Robin Fisher. Never in doubt?

It was certainly tense at times but runs came freely with no chances offered - Alex showing his class and timing and Fishy his grit and power. An excellent partnership of 76 and only 4 required before Fishy (37) was bowled trying to hit a 6 to win the game! Brayno blocked the next 3 and then Alex finished things off with a (one bounce) 6 of his own to finish 48 not out and winning the match.

A great all round team performance to cap a fine season. Dan finishing with 45 league wickets, Fishy with 33 wickets at 10, Ian and Dil both passed 500 runs and Noah 400. The young players have really bolstered the side and should be proud of how they've played and fitted in to the team so well. They'll come back even better players next season having this season under their collective belts.

Great club night too to cap the season off in style as Alan collected the Ron Fleet President's trophy and Noah the Young Player of the Year. Alan spoke emotionally which showed what the club means to him. Noah could work on his public speaking!

MotM - Wiggy 48* and 2 for to win the game.
DotD - Noah...Reg had a list, there was so much.
Dot Season - Joe Killoran who received a special Polish Ale for his achievement in a hotly fought contest.