As the Four Seasons once sang, ‘Oh what a night’!
As most of you know, FJN Solutions sponsor Roffey Cricket Club . The mighty Boars completed a momentous double last night, when they beat Preston Nomads down at the County Ground in Hove. When I say ‘momentous’, I am not exaggerating as this really is a huge achievement for the lads, and a massive moment in time for the club. If you are faint-hearted, or of a nervous disposition, Roffey CC really is not the club for you. The lads performed heroics on the last league game of the season, when it looked like all of their hard work over the season might not pay off as they got off to a bad start, but they turned the game around to win comfortably and secure the league title.
Last night’s Cup Final got off to an even worse start, and if Sky Bet were in Hove, the win predictor would have said a single figure chance of a Roffey win – probably 5% at best after the first few overs. The best thing with this team is that they never know when they are beaten. They have a real spirit about them and a camaraderie that is there for all to see. Good lads one and all!
Back to the game. The boys had a poor start as Nomads bowled tightly and were very sharp in the field. At 32 for 4, Frankie Cripps strolled to the crease in his own casual way before completely dismantling a very strong bowling line up all round East Sussex and surrounding areas. A couple of his 12 sixes had people ducking at the top of the i360 tower a mile down the road. I would say the best batting performance I have ever seen as he finished not out on 126 runs from 49 balls with a strike rate of 257. Absolutely phenomenal display and the definition of a match winning performance and was well supported by Ben Remfy, who was also not out with a 100% strike rate.
Could the bowlers and fielders back up Frankie’ innings? 100% they could! All 7 bowlers contributed with wickets, with Oscar Harman bagging a couple and Davo behind the stumps having five wicket taking involvements (3 catches and 2 stumpings). A masterclass from the boys and they deservedly lifted the trophy in front of the supporters in the main pavilion after winning by 57 runs. A mention to Nomads who played their part in a great game and who also had a really good season in the league.
Only one person left to mention, the club captain, Sam Henderson. Being a captain in cricket is very different to captaining most other sports teams. It is all consuming and takes over your life for most of the summer. Sam shows a maturity way beyond his 21 years, week in, week out. He leads the team on match days with complete professionalism, tenacity and integrity on all levels at all times. Club legend already.
Up the Boars 🐗 🙌🏏
