17/09/2026
CHAAAAAMPIONSSSSSS 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Blyth 1st Team win their final game of the season to guarantee promotion and the title.
The most committed players took the last game seriously and trained through Thursday evening’s rain to prepare for their last cup final of the year. Everyone arrived excited at the chance of winning the division.
Rhino somehow won the toss and put Teversal in to bat. Fish inspired the team with a pre-match speech, and Posh and Rhino set about their work with the ball. No wickets for the first 9 overs, but the runs were kept down.
Rhino picked up the first wicket to relieve some tension, then Posh joined the party. Luke strategically waved a ball past him, confusing the batsman into running 2 to Rhino on the boundary. A great throw left the batsman more than 3cm out of his crease for a run out.
32-5 at the end of their spells and time for the spin twins to do their thing.
Fish started well for 3 balls before being dispatched into the farmers' field. Surely we weren't going to have a repeat of last week. He then bowled well and picked up 2 wickets, always dangerous.
Bateman cleaned up at the other end once he'd stopped feeding the sweep shot that the Teversal batters enjoyed playing. He picked up 3 wickets for 13, not bad considering he went for 5 off a ball that was gently pushed to mid wicket.
It was generally a good day of catching, although Posh may disagree, having to get the same batter out 3 times. You can always rely on a bit of luck with a slower ball full toss to do the trick, though.
2 catches for Ethan, 1 for Bateman, 1 for Sir Geoffrey, and a run out from Rhino highlighted a good fielding display, led by the specialist fielder, The King and top of the DNB, who threw himself around, promoting the high fielding standards expected from Blyth.
Teversal were all out for 66. Surely we wouldn't have a repeat of last week's batting tension.
Luke started the nerves, being dismissed with the first ball of the run chase. 0-1 made 66 look formidable.
In came Oli to open his account with a 4, looking to impress his friends and family watching, and hopefully make them forget about his attempted 'catch' in the first innings. Could he finish as the leading run scorer in a tight race?
Nerves were calmed when no wickets fell for the remaining 8 overs as Scott and Oli soaked up the pressure. Scott was then dismissed, bringing Bateman to the crease. He and Oli looked determined not to throw this one away. Small run chases seem to be Blyth's nemesis.
Oli was struck on the pad in Hewitt's last over to bring in the in-form Ginner to see off his remaining 5 balls. 6 overs of calm followed until Bateman was bowled, leaving Blyth 33-4 with less than half the overs remaining.
Clever Ginner's late replacement, Geoff, strolled to the crease, lubricated with water and confidence. Unfortunately, he was back to the bar 10 balls later.
Posh joined Ginner (I know, AGAIN 🤯) with 26 runs still needed for victory. They knocked it around for a bit before settling the nerves, scoring 14 off 3 balls, including one of Ginner's trademark slog sweeps for 6. A quick single ensured victory and 22 points to Blyth, beginning the celebrations.
The team and supporters drank the bar dry and enjoyed a victory lap of the pitch. During this lap, Liam won the W***er of the Winter hat, then Luke took the honour of the duck hat to keep him warm for the next 8 months.
Ch*****ne (Prosecco) was sprayed in celebration of promotion and the title. Drinks were enjoyed late into the evening, where The King was throwing the C-bomb around... not that one, the ferret version.
A big shout-out to all of the volunteers, helpers and players who have ensured we've fielded a strong team each week and been able to play at such a great ground for cricket. The King promised to prepare a wicket for 22 points this week. Never in doubt. Huge Thank you to the king for preparing the ground week in week out and to bategirl for putting up with her dad on a Saturday and scoring for us. We do really appreciate it.
Thank you to The Angel's hospitality, keeping us topped up with b**r and food to soak it up.
Thank you to DB Animal TherapyDB Animal Therapy for another year of sponsorship.
Now that it's the end of the season, the transfer window is open. Will Posh finally make his move to Retford after another year of being bullied? Will Oli renew his 1-year contract? Will Ginner's leg recover over the winter?
Rhino will practise his tossing for 8 months, looking for a better return with the coin next year.
George will have to find something else to keep him busy while ground duties slow down, possibly more sprint training.
That's a wrap. Bring on Div 2 next year!!
