Northleach Town claimed the CDCA Division 1 title in dramatic and convincing fashion with an overwhelming victory by 206 runs against Chedworth. By a quirk of fate (or foresighted fixture arrangement) this is the fifth successive season where the title has been won at the picturesque Chedworth ground.

 

Having lost the toss the Rams’ captain, Dickie Hemming, prepared his opening pairing of Jordan Blackmore and Glen Crompton, and they quickly got into their stride. Without playing expansive shots they moved the score along at 6 runs per over, and reached drinks with 130 on the ‘board without loss. Crompton reached the half-century point first, quickly followed by his partner, as the pair began to take more aggressive action against the Chedworth attack. The next 10 overs produced 81 runs, with both batsmen striking the ball with power and great timing. Crompton reached his century with a well-timed four through the leg-side, and Blackmore reached the milestone with a short single to cover.

 

All in all, the home side tried 9 bowlers, but failed to stem the tide, as the Northleach openers reached 237 before Crompton (116) was bowled for his highest score of the season. Mark Larner helped Blackmore (142) maintain the rate before the latter was caught on the boundary going for another maximum. As Northleach now had a total of 300 in their sights it fell to Richard Blundell to steer the score along, scoring 40no in just 15 balls faced!

 

The final Northleach total of 333 for 4 presented a massive task for the home batsmen, and they seemed unsure as to how to approach their innings. Blundell and Flammy Wellman bowled accurately and with pace and movement, as they dismissed the first 3 home batsmen for just 5 runs between them – all bowled! Home captain John Watson (41) and Ali Lockey (37) then produced a fine stand of 52 before 3 quick wickets fell, and Lockey took charge to steer the tail through the final overs.

 

 Darren Hall bowled with a good mix of pace and aggression, and Crompton (2 for 16) bowled his usual tight spell, but it was the return of Wellman, the “Northleach Night-train”, which closed the game out. He bowled with great pace and accuracy, to a field of 4 slips and a gully, to earn the bowlers’ award for the day – the batting award had deservedly already gone to Blackmore in his final game before heading back “down under”.

 

This match was watched by a good-sized crowd, who witnessed a fine game of cricket between two sides in good spirits. It was a fine way for Northleach to wrap-up the title, and many thanks to Chedworth for their hospitality and warm congratulations after the match.