Warwickshire Premier League Champions !

On a day of high drama, the 1stXI clinched the premier title with a narrow 2 wicket win at Handsworth.

On a wet ground and a delayed start, the match was reduced to 41 overs a side. News travelled to the ground that Fillongley, the days leaders who needed a winning draw to ensure the title, were washed off at Kenilworth. Nuneaton, a point behind Ashfield, were also delayed at Old Eds. Further news was that Old Eds were batting, which meant a potential 20 point maximum, meant that if Ashfield won they would be crowned champions.

To add to the drama, Handsworth needed to win in order to survive in the Warwickshire premier.

Ashfield bowled well, with Ian Carey and Amir Hussain opening up. Handsworth made slow progress on a difficult surface, losing wickets regularly. fielding was not easy in the wet, however, and there were several fielding errors. the pressure grew on the lower order Handsworth batsmen and run-outs followed. They ended on 118-9. Not a big target but a challenging one in the conditions.

Fillongley players were now watching the drama (obviously and understandably hoping for a Handsworth victory). Solihull Blossomfield were now also present- they needed Ashfield to win in order to stay up themselves.

With a reggae beat from the clubhouse (on a surprisingly beautiful cricket ground) Tompkins and Carey stepped out to do battle, having to negotiate 2 sessions as the tea was not ready. Both had fallen by tea, Carey caught at extra driving a ball that stopped, and Tompkins falling LBW to former Ashfield seamer Ernie Ramsey, the ball before tea Suliman was missed on a stumping off the steady bowling of Folkes, and many sensed the Gods were shining on the Ashfield.

Soon after tea Kassim fell, caught driving, and Zar was not long to follow, caught behind of Folkes. The tension mounted, as Ashfield went from 50-3, to 100-7. Speed of runs were never an issue, but we batted as though they were - Mo was controversially run out. Zubair, who injected pace into the innings, fell at deep-square. Ray batted well, but when he fell, it looked touch and go. With Micky Bromall's nails having disappeared waiting at number 11, Javed lifted Ernie, who had bowled throughout, for a six and it was 115-8. 4 needed ! Javed repeated the act, with another straight 6, and Ashfield were Champions!!! Never in doubt !?!

Well done to Ian and the boys - a record league season for the club with 10 wins. Warwickshire Premier League Champions 2008.

(Scorecard and photos will follow)