The covers were on, with Elstead’s players closely watching their weather apps, hoping for a break in the drizzle as the clock ticked round to 1pm. Prayers were answered as the grey skies lightened, the covers were rolled off and the toss took place. Remarkably, Guy won the toss and chose to field, on a wicket that looked like it might give the bowlers something to work with early on.

A rousing team talk from the skip got Elstead’s players up for the task ahead, needing a convincing win to take maximum points and clinch the Div 2 title before the final match of the season next week.

Joe and Keith opened the bowling and kept things tight for the first few overs. Little did we know what was to come! Joe found his line and length and clean bowled 5 of the top 6 Witley batsmen, ending with figures of 5 for 12 off 7 overs. Keith found some movement in the air, swinging the ball away, resulting in catches from Guy at slip and Scott behind the stumps. Very tidy figures of 2 for 7 off 9 overs. Then Ollie came on for Joe, at the Lincoln end and finished things off, taking 3 wickets (2 clean bowled) with figures of 3 for 6 off 3 overs. Witley finished 27 all out from 20 overs.

With both teams looking a little shell-shocked, there was a quick turnaround. Elstead hoping to knock off the 28 runs required as quickly as possible and get to the bar to celebrate. Pete and Keith duly obliged, perhaps not as quickly as some hoped, both men keen to be there at the end.

What a way to confirm Elstead as Div 2 champions. Watch out Div 1 next season!