First, the on-pitch news is that the 1st team secured a 5th place finish and guaranteed Chess Valley Division One status for next year with a thumping victory over UCS Old Boys.

Bowling first at Southgate CC, messrs Brand and Lovat pinned the UCS batters down each taking regular wickets with Lovat finishing with an excellent 4-43 and Brand 2-30 aided by probably our best fielding performance of the season. Captain Ben Lederman also continued his excellent bowling form with 2-15 off 6 overs to leave UCS Old Boys 119 all out.

In reply, Vale lost Dan Grusd early, but the returning Chico Hillman put the UCS bowlers to the sword and Jonny Lubin played another fluent innings, hitting two big 6s on the way to 44 from 42 balls. Lubin was out with just 4 needed and when those runs came next ball, Chico was 61 not out and Vale had won by 8 wickets in just 19.3 overs. A comprehensive win secured by 4pm as well!

Off the pitch, we were delighted to find out this week that Vice-President David Marks was designated by Middlesex CC as the winner of the "Inspired to Play" award as part of their 2024 Cricket Collective Awards. Just recognition for all his efforts on behalf of Vale, particularly in his role as the head of our Elite Player Pathway - bringing through all of our kids from junior to adult cricket.

I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing him a hearty Mazel Tov...

Just a few weeks of the season to go now, but (as you'd expect) planning is already underway for our Autumn/Winter junior training programme. More on that shortly.