Sandwich were the final visitors to Hayes last Saturday as they looked to secure their place in the Premier League.
It has been an extraordinary season for the 1st XI and Saturday also marked the VP, Ex Players and Friends of the Club lunch – it was great to see so many old faces make the journey.
Beau Couldrey won the toss and elected to bat first on another sunny day – not sure when Beau last lost a toss!
Gareth Severin, our New Zealand overseas has made a big impact in his season at the club and once again he led the way with a quick-fire 58, before being first out at 112.
James Bamber, joined by Will MacVicar, then proceeded to score his first century of the season, making 126 in 144 balls in a partnership of 191 with Will.
Will went onto to score back-to-back centuries and his 4th of the season, making 102 in only 78 balls – 4 sixes and 8 fours.
Both James & Will falling at the end of the innings as Hayes finished on a formidable 318-5.
Crucially for Sandwich, the late wickets they picked up helped them in their quest to stay up.
Sandwich started well but once Stuart Eddicott (1-17) had dismissed their hard-hitting opener, Connor Byrne ensured the Hayes total would be out of reach, in a blistering spell of 4-46 in his 10 overs. Connor reaching the milestone of 20 league wickets in the process.
Will MacVicar came back and took 3 wickets in his second spell as Sandwich batted to the 175 they needed to maintain Premier status.
Beau Couldrey took a wicket and the find of the season – our secret weapon – Andy Eddicott also took another wicket, finishing on 1-15 and an excellent 22 wickets for the season, as Sandwich were bowled out for 207 and a comprehensive 111 run win.
Sandwich graciously clapped the Champions off the field as the Champagne corks flew!
The 2’s faced the long journey to Sandwich in a winner stays up fixture.
Asked to field, Hayes were soon taking wickets as Luca Baker removed both openers before Alfie Peck got amongst the wickets in a spell of 10-2-14-2.
Grant Sheen then bowled his 10 overs, conceding only 10 runs and claiming 2 wickets.
With Fin Baker and Johnny White also taking 2, Hayes dismissed the hosts for 136.
Scoring runs proved to be difficult as Hayes lost Liam Vallois early, but a strong partnership between Liam Buttery and Fin Baker got them back into the game – Liam out for 45 and Fin 32.
Wickets then fell with only Alfie Peck offering resistance – a fine 21* – Grant Sheen also chipped in with 11.
It came down to the last ball – we won’t mention the leg-side wide that wasn’t given – and Alfie need to hit 4. A magnificent cover drive was destined for the rope until a last gasp grab by a fielder prevented the boundary – Hayes ran 3 and tied the game, but needing 4 to win, a tie wasn’t enough!
The 3’s season had already finished, and it was left for the 4’s to bring their season to a close, taking on Blackheath at Charlton Park.
Hayes invited the home side to bat and with full details not available, we know Blackheath amassed
195/7 – a total helped by Hayes dropping at least 10 catches on a wicket that had been barely mown.
In response a 50 from Jesse Rowson had Hayes on the road to victory and at 105-2 it looked on – however a collapse saw Hayes dismissed for 165!
Oli Clake has had an amazing season leading the side – a mid-table finish was secured and there were some brilliant performances by youngsters!
Sunday saw the Women travel to Brighton, needing a good result to ensure bringing the Championship back to Hayes.
Brighton elected to bat first and their opening partnership were soon amongst the runs as the Hayes bowling was given a thorough workout.
A 181 partnership gave the hosts a strong foundation and Hayes did well to keep the final score down to 251-7 in the 40 overs.
Chelsey Rowson with 3-31 was the pick of the bowlers with wickets also for Rosie Murray, Beth Egan and Zoe Hainsworth.
This meant Hayes had to get to 120 to pick up the League Title.
With both openers dismissed in single figures Hayes needed the middle order to fight-back and Maisie Wright (28) with Zoe Dreaneen (47) did just that – taking Hayes to the cusp of the title, which was secured for the loss of 5 wickets!
Lottie Hayward went onto score 21 as Hayes finished on 136 all-out but the hard work had been done throughout the season and the Women join the men in winning their league.
The Champagne flowed!
The Development side visited local rivals Old Wilsonians, who opted to bat first.
Luca Baker replicated his Saturday form with 2 wickets in his opening spell, his brother Fin also chipping in with 2.
Matthew Marriott and Edward Wilkie also took a wicket but the star of the show was Luxan Sureshan with 4-33 as Hayes bowled the home side out for 165.
Alfie Peck (26) and Fin Baker (28) got Hayes off to a good start and with Luca (22*), Joseph Bradshaw (21) and Liam Buttery (39*) Hayes made light work of the total.
It took them 27 overs to knock off the runs.
The Sunday 2’s visited Downe and a report will follow.
Sunday also saw the Annual Jacko Day T10 festival – a new winner in Orpington!
