Congratulations to Wivenhoe as they have this morning been confirmed as NECL Champions for a second successive season, following Galleywood's concession to them this coming Sunday.
The final round of matches in Division Two and Three, saw the remaining outcomes decided. In Division Three, Kelvedon & Feering were confirmed as champions following a ten run victory at bottom of the table West Bergholt, who put up a valiant fight. Bergholt did at least claim enough points to avoid the wooden spoon, which went to Coggeshall. Elsewhere in Division Three, Real Oddies claimed a six wicket success over Great Horkesley & Lexden. In Division Two, Braintree and Springfield both missed out on the Runner Up spot, by suffering defeats in their respective matches. Chappel & Wakes Colne claim the second spot to end their tenure on a high in the NECL, having given notice to withdraw in 2019. Abberton avoided relegation on Saturday night, when visitors Braintree conceded – unfortunately for the Dolphins not notifying the Results Secretary by 10pm on Saturday resulted in a ten point deduction. So Witham started the day in the drop zone and required seven points to leap frog Great Totham, and duly claimed the full twenty with a 33 run win at home to Springfield. Champions Halstead, signed off with a seven wicket win over Eight Ash Green. The only game in Division One, saw Mistley defeat Galleywood by five wickets, to go to the summit of the table. They are assured of runners up spot at least, but will be champions if Wivenhoe are unable to secure twenty points at home to Galleywood in the season’s final match next Sunday.
Individually, two centurions this weekend, with Josh Ruthven (108) starring in Halstead’s run chase, while an unbeaten 103 by Springfield’s Noah Pothen was unable to steer his side to victory. The only fivefor also came at Star Stile, where Callum Hansey (5 for 41) tore through the Eight Ash Green lower order.
As we get to the last knockings of the 2018 it is time to look ahead and start the preparation for next season. To that end, clubs are invited to submit possible rule changes to be considered by the Management Committee, and then the AGM. The league have received an application from Sudbury Cricket Club to join the NECL in 2019, and applications are welcome from any other club wishing to take part in Sunday cricket whether it is the longer format or the T20 competition. A consultation paper was also sent to league reps of member clubs regarding their views on the future format of the NECL - if that can be returned then that would also useful to the Management Committee's discussions regarding 2019.
Finally, please advise at your earliest convenience of any intention to withdraw from the competition in 2019, the league have already been notified by Chappel & Wakes Colne and Eight Ash Green that they will be withdrawing.
Please e-mail any rule changes, applications or withdrawals to by Sunday 23rd September. The Management Committee will be meeting prior to the AGM on Thursday 26th September to discuss rules changes and constitution for 2019 amongst other things.
