CRICKET: It’s been a summer to remember for Bluntisham - on and off the pitch
The title-winning Bluntisham 2nds are back row, left to right, Darren Jessop, Max Dighton, Will Grant, James Harris, Tom Yewbrey, Roly Searle, front row, Ollie Slack, Mark Allen, Nigel Slack, Greig Richardson and John Bowland. - Credit: Archant
Bluntisham are celebrating a season to savour after enjoying two Cambs Junior League title triumphs.
Bluntisham first XI, who won the Cambs Junior League Division One North title, are back row, left to right, Steve Dighton, Jonny Richardson, Darren Jessop, Steve Merry, Darren Fordham, Ben Austin, front row, Rory Fenton, Mike Davies, Pete Coleman, Stuart Cornwell and Harvey Bullin. - Credit: Archant
Their first XI were recently crowned Division One North champions and the 2nds added to the trophy haul by securing the Division Four North silverware last Saturday.
Mark Allen’s side thumped Haddenham by 166 runs to roar into top spot by leapfrogging previous leaders Kimbolton 2nds.
Will Grant chose the perfect time to hit a first-ever century as his boundary-laden 124 – which featured 15 fours and five sixes – helped Bluntisham 2nds reached 256-2.
Greig Richardson also contributed 74 from just 53 balls before veteran Roly Searle took centre-stage with the ball. He swooped for 5-17 from eight overs while James Harris bagged 3-27 as Haddenham were sent packing for just 90.
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Bluntisham 2nds had looked set to miss out on glory after losing to Kimbolton 2nds in their penultimate fixture, but the match was later awarded to Allen’s side after it emerged their title rivals had fielded an unregistered player.
Skipper Allen said: “We missed out last season when coming third and we were sitting in second place for most of this summer as well.
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“Circumstances then changed and we managed to get the win we needed against Haddenham on Saturday when it was touch and go with rain in the air.
“The first team’s achievement is obviously better in a more competitive division, but we fought hard for our title and it’s a great way to end a fantastic season for the club.”
Bluntisham’s midweek team also got in on the act by winning their division in the Cambridge Midweek League while the first XI were beaten in the Cambs Junior Cup final by Coton.
It hasn’t just been a memorable season on the pitch either. The club, sponsored by St Ives Scaffolding, now boast a brand new £35,000 net facility after securing funding through the Mick George Community Fund and have also bought new covers.
Their Mill Lane base has been the stage for a number of county games involving Hunts junior sides during the summer as well as a women’s Twenty20 tournament.
Bluntisham also ran a successful All Stars Cricket programme to introduce youngsters to the game n they are keen to boost their junior section with the introduction of several new teams for 2019.
Any interested boys or girls should make contact with Steve Dighton at stevedighton@hotmail.co.uk
