Saturday 1st XI v Chiddingfold 2nd XI (Home) 19-09-2009

Result: Blackheath won by 20 runs

Blackheath - P Nash 73, M Chase 55, J Jenkins 41, M Payne 4-43

Chiddingfold 2nd XI - A Woods 51, E Garwood 45

After 22 league matches in Division 3 of the I'Anson League 2009 season, Blackheath CC 1st XI have claimed The Miler Cup as undefeated champions. Blackheath also had the highest points total across all 6 divisions.

Although promotion was secured several weeks ago, "The Heath" were in a dog fight with Wrecclesham 1st XI who were always just behind Blackheath in 2nd place. Blackheath just need to win batting first to secure the Championship.

Skipper Paul "Flash" NASH won the toss and batted first. Positive batting saw Mike "No Need" CHASE continue his good form with 55 before hitting a full toss straight to backward square leg. "Flash" NASH then showed why he's one of the best bats in the I'Anson with a classy 73 ending with 690 league runs for the season at an average of 57.5 and John "JR" JENKINS scored a quick fire 41. JENKINS, who has just finished university, later confirmed that he will now be available all season from next year, which is a big boost to the club.

Blackheath declared on 224 for 7 off just 39 overs leaving them 51 overs to claim the title!

Chiddingfold were 50 for 3 off 15 overs and things were going well for "The Heath" until their number 4 and 5 batsmen set about spoiling the party. They comfortably took the score to over 100 for 3 and the crowd were getting slightly nervous. It was then time for Matt "Hosepipe" PAYNE to be given the ball and he didn't disappoint. Fired up and blasting in, PAYNE broke the partnership with some excellent bowling knocking number 5's stumps over. He then quickly got the wicket of their number 6 batsmen, who was well caught by Colin "Speedy Gonzales" PARROT, who made up for an earlier drop. At 151 for 6 Chiddingfold were still going for the win and in with a chance before "No Need" CHASE pulled off and excellent run out combining with keeper Terry "The Tank" BROCKMAN. PAYNE then got the all important wicket of their dangerous number 4 bat LBW for 45. He then took his fourth wicket with another clean bowled and the players and supporters knew "The Heath" were close. Graham "Spider" WEBB came to the party also chipping in with valuable wickets. When Chiddingfold's 9th wicket went down they still needed 55 runs to win. Their last pair batted well and had put on 35 runs and things started to tense up. With 4.2 overs to go it was rather fitting that WEBB took the final wicket caught behind by BROCKMAN. WEBB finishing a superb season with 69 league wickets, which is the highest across all 6 divisions.

Chiddingfold all out for 204 off 46.4 overs.

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