VI Sharks Claim League Title for Third Consecutive Year

VI Sharks Claim League Title for Third Consecutive Year

This year's campaign for the BCEW National League Division 1 title has been closer than anyone might realise when looking at the final table. Going in to the weekend's fixtures all four sides could mathematically win the title and three of the four could still be relegated.

At the Blackstone Academy Ground Sussex welcomed London Metro as 1st played 4th but with four first team players unavailable, the Sharks had to reach deep into their squad whilst Metro were nearly at full strength. Stand in Skipper Ian 'Tiny'  Morris won the toss and asked Metro to have a bat.

Metro started strongly and it was the 7th over before Mo Galib (38) was excellently caught down the leg side by Si Ledwith off a  turning ball from Mark Bond. The Metro innings was excellently marshalled by Tom Froud (101 off 61 balls) who looked a class apart from everyone else. With limited sight available in the field Morris opted to bowl the father and son Daniels duo in an unbroken 22 over spell. 

With the Metro score progressing steadily they reached 200 and claimed full batting points around the 30th over and most expected them to declare and try to push for the win. However, when the sides came off for drinks after 32 overs news from the other fixture was that Northants had been skittled for 47 and Lancashire had already won, Northants getting no points at all. This meant that should Metro get a draw this would give them a straight shoot out with Northants in a fortnights time to avoid the drop.

Metro chose to bat on and were eventually all out for 235 in the 37th over. Dave Daniels figures were an incredible 5-95 off 14 overs whilst Phil Daniels took 3-53 in 13 overs.

This sent the Sharks statisticians racing for their phones and it was clear that a win or a draw would see the Sharks retain their title and if they could score 150 or more they would have sufficient bonus points to do enough even if they lost. After their prolific run-fest last weekend Callum Weir (52 not out) and Si Ledwith (82) showed they were still very hungry for more, and in a measured display  took the score to 149 before the first wicket fell, a wide took the score to 150 and the title was assured, the Sharks innings closing  on 163-2.

This was an incredible turn around as at the half way stage the Sharks sat bottom of the table. Lancashire's big win saw them secure second spot, with Metro earning no bowling bonus points they are dead level with Northants on points, therefore whomever gets the better of their game on the 29th August stays up and the loser drops to Division 2 to be replaced by Yorkshire who sealed the title to join the top tier.

The VI Sharks' focus now switches to the BCEW Primary Club Heindrich Swanepoel Memorial Cup where they host Northants in the final at The County Ground, Hove on Saturday 5th September. Entry to the ground will be free on the day with tickets available to book soon.

Full scorecard can be viewed here.

Match report courtesy of Ian 'Tiny' Morris