Players, officials, friends, family and all those associated with Royston Cricket Club have been busy celebrating a deserved double success after the first and second team were promoted for the second successive season.
In third place before their final round of games, and with the top two playing each other, Royston’s 1st XI knew a win would secure a top two place and see them promoted to the second tier of the Cambs Senior Cricket League.
After reducing opponents Cottenham to two for four it looked as though it was going to be an easy task for Royston, however a late order recovery saw Cottenham eventually reach 128 all out.
Star of the show for Royston was Pete Merrell who took five for 23 off nine overs. At 70 for 8 in reply, Royston looked in danger of blowing their opportunity however an 8th wicket stand of 62 between bowlers Shahvaiz Younus (32*) and Pete Merrell (25*) saw Royston over the line with just two wickets to spare.
Royston’s 2nd XI knew they only needed six points from a possible 40 from the last two games in order to secure their own promotion.
Rohan Shetge starred for Royston with 59, although a late order collapse meant that their final total of 199 all out was a little under par.
At 123 for 2, The Rebels CC were well placed, however a flurry of wickets from skipper Bonham Harper (3-14) initiated a collapse.
The Rebels were finally dismissed for just 156 and promotion was secured for the second eleven with a game to spare.
Speaking to the Royston Crow a delighted club secretary Richard Temple said: “It’s been a fantastic season for the club again.
“With many of the players now at the age where they are hitting their peak, and with some new players also having joined the club, we knew that we would stand a good chance of promotion as all the teams now have much more strength in depth.
“At a time when many clubs are struggling with player numbers, it’s great that we have grown from one to three teams over the last 8 years. In that time the first team have had five promotions, whilst the newly-formed second team had four promotions in their first five years.
“The third team also continues to be an excellent stepping stone for those players moving up from the junior section into adult cricket.”
On top of that, the club’s junior section continues to thrive, with Richard adding: “We have been thrilled with the high number of new five to eight year olds who have joined us hrough the ECB’s “All-Stars” initiative.”
Training for the 2018 season starts for all ages in January and the club welcome players of all ages and abilities.
Anyone interested in this wonderful club in any capacity should contact club chairman David May on 07801 235814, email the club at RoystonCC@outlook.com or follow the club on Twitter, Facebook or via the club website.
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