This is the most painful report I’ve ever had to send, and Saturday was one of the most heartbreaking days I’ve experienced in my many years at the club. Despite everyone’s best efforts, we came out on the wrong side of every result and both 1s and 3s miss out on promotion – both by a single point.

For the 1s, a win would have guaranteed promotion. We bowled out South Hampstead for 125 but fell 14 agonising runs short, despite the tail wagging. We then had a tense half hour to see if London Tigers could beat Brentham, which would also have seen us go up – but they fell 18 runs short and Brentham go up instead of us. This is obviously a huge disappointment, but I’d like to pay tribute to the whole team, and skipper Jamie Price, who have given it everything this year – to come so, so close.

The 2s game was abandoned and we finish 5th in the league, a good outcome the year after promotion.

The 3s got the win they needed – dispatching Acton by 9 wickets, with Harry Hurtig-Isaac taking 4 – but needed either Richmond or Harrow to lose, and neither did. Again, a huge effort from the 3s and Jack this year, going for a third promotion in a row, but it wasn’t to be.

The 4s got a win, beating Actonians by 6 wickets, and they finish 3rd as well, but a long way behind 2nd. The 5s were abandoned, and we wait to see if their promotion is confirmed. Meanwhile, the 6s got their second on-field win of the year, beating Kensington & Chelsea – but sadly Wycombe House 5s also won so the 6s finish bottom – but what a brilliant first season by Sam Hall and the 6s.

On Sunday we dodged the dodgy weather, with the away team winning at Kew. We chased down 144-7 thanks to 50 by Zach Fry. The opposition got a late hatrick but we still came through.

Meanwhile at HQ, the testimonial game for our overseas player Jim Robertshaw ended with a win for the Robertshaw XI against the Ro Fernandes XI 18 runs. Wickets for Robertshaw himself and Mad Dog Dave Philips. Again, I must pay tribute to Jim R at the end of his second season with the club. He has been immense, as player, coach, helper round the ground and all-round club man. We are hugely in his debt, and I have never known anyone become so integral to the club so quickly. There is no one with a bad word to say about the man, and he is someone we can put down as one of those novelty ‘ok aussies’.

Next week, we have our final home game on Saturday against Richmond, followed by our comedy night, hosted by the brilliant Runi Talwar. Tickets are available now: it will be a great night. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-night-tickets-996483949317?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Lastly can I remind you about the Senior Presentation Night on 27 September. More info to follow but get it in your diary and let’s have a massive turnout.

Thanks
Bernard