The 2017 season was a positive one for Bluntisham Cricket Club in many ways more than one. As well as both teams finishing the season battling for promotion, the club secured funds for a new twin lane net facility which will be built ahead of the 2018 season.
The 1st team were involved in a 4-way battle for promotion where only 17 points separated 1st and 4th. It was always going to be tough with only one promotion spot up for grabs and after a valiant effort, unfortunately Blunty finished 4th. Despite going on a remarkable 8 game winning streak from May to July, 4 consecutive losses to the other top 4 teams in the league, Isleham, Girton, Sutton and Fen Ditton, dented their promotion hopes. A strong end to the season proved to be all a little too late.
A similar story unravelled for the 2nd's. Blunty occupied the final promotion spot (4th) going into their last game and a win against already promoted Balsham would of secured a place in next years Junior 4 division. With key players unavailable they could not secure the win, however promotion was still achievable, albeit out of their hands. With 3 league fixture weeks to go, teams in the promotion race were playing each other. They needed 3rd place Cherry Hinton, who beat the previously undefeated Cam Kerela the week before, to beat 5th place Coton on the final day. However, Cherry Hinton were bowled out for a measly 53 and Coton cruised to a 9 wicket victory, ensuring both teams were promoted and Bluntisham missed out once again.
The clubs strong performances were eventually rewarded with some silverware. This season the club decided to make a real push in the midweek cricket league, fielding teams mixed with a blend of up and coming youth and high quality experience. Despite the first game being abandoned and the second a defeat to Bar Hill, the club won all their remaining games, clinching the title in the last game in a winner takes all clash vs Waterbeach which was lit up with a 52 ball 100 by Darren Fordham.
The positive Saturday and ruthless midweek performances meant all the sides went on some sensational runs of form throughout the season. The 1st team won eight games on the bounce and the 2nd's six. Five weekends on the trot the the club were celebrating in the pub with both sides returning successful, and including midweek wins, accumulated fourteen games without tasting anything other than victory.
The season was capped off by a great night at the Green Man in Colne which held the end of season awards. The following players picked up the awards:
Best Player 1st Team - Darren Fordham, Best Bowler 1st Team - Alex Merry, Best Batsman 1st Team - Darren Fordham, Best Player 2nd Team - Nigel Slack, Best 2nd Team Bowler - Roland Searle, Best 2nd Team Batsman - Jon Bowland, Young Player Of The Year - Ryan Peel, Clubman - The Slack Family (Nigel, Liz, Ollie).
With all this positive news on the field, the club began a process which will help it take massive strides off it. The club secured funds from Mick George's Community Grant scheme for a twin lane astro turf net facility to be built alongside the Village Hall at the ground. This will be ready ahead of the 2018 season and will provide a sustainable future of the club.
Overall the 2017 season as been one of the most successful ever for the club, not just down to the tremendous efforts when playing the game but the structure and facilities we have secured for years to come.
Just a reminder that this years AGM is on Tuesday 5th December at the Green Man pub in Colne, with a 7pm start.
Bring on 2018!
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