As the season kicked off back in April, there was an unmistakable buzz of positivity coursing through the club. It felt like everyone, from their youngest players to the dedicated members of the 3rd team, stood united by a common goal: to see silverware grace the ECL Pavilion. Fast forward to September, and that dream became a reality, albeit in a way that surprised everyone!
The 3rd team, building on the momentum from their impressive promotion last year, achieved something incredible in just their second season: they clinched the Division 14 league title. This triumph is a testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved, from the tireless behind-the-scenes efforts to the inspiring leadership of Andy Heather and his team. Ben Swingler expressed gratitude by saying, “A massive thank you to everyone who played a part in this remarkable journey—together, we’ve proven that determination pays off.”
The season has been a real rollercoaster for our 1st XI as they navigated their third year in the top-flight premier division. With ups and downs, consistency was the elusive goal that slipped just out of reach. Midway through the season, a fresh breeze blew through the club as Ashley Starmer stepped into the captaincy role, determined to steer the team towards a more positive trajectory.
The second half of the season brought a series of electrifying matches that ebbed and flowed, but unfortunatly, not in the club’s favour come the end of proceedings. Despite the heartache of results, it’s hard not to reflect on just how different the league table could have looked by September. “If only a few key moments had broken in our favour,” remarked Ben Swingler.
Swingler also noted, “There are many positives to take from the season and plenty to work on over the winter months to come back stronger come April 2025 when they will be raring to go again and push on to new heights in the premier division.”
The 2nd XI encountered a rollercoaster season, marked by a mix of results that ultimately kept them in Division 8 for the upcoming 2025 season. Despite the challenges, the team is determined to narrow the gap with the 1st XI and is gearing up to make a serious push for promotion next year.
This season also showcased some standout performances that truly lit up the scoreboard. The club celebrated four outstanding centuries: Alex Mitchell with a fantastic 102, and Graham Cottle leading the charge with a stunning 133 not out for the 2nd team. Joining the century club were Gregg Smith (1st team) and Samuel Laithwaite (3rd team), both smashing 100 not out.
On the bowling front, they witnessed 10 five-wicket hauls spread across eight talented players. Highlights included Cariston Diedericks with a phenomenal 6/24 and Graham Cottle shining again with 5/24 for the 2nd team. James Brazier made waves with a brilliant 5/9 for the 3rd team, while Andy Heather’s 6/8 performance was nothing short of spectacular. Ben Swingler contributed with a strong 5/42, and Ben Heather made his mark with two five-wicket hauls, including a standout 5/34 for the 3rd team. Dale Ansell also stood out with his impressive 6/26 in the 2nd team.
Finally, Ben Swingler, who oversees all things cricket, shared, “The youth system expanded in late 2023 with the addition of a U10 section alongside the existing U11, U13, and U15 teams. This initiative aims to create a pathway for younger players into senior cricket, supported by experienced local coaches. Plans are underway to establish a soft ball women’s cricket team as part of the club’s compliance with accreditation requirements.
The senior section is thriving, particularly with the introduction of a 3rd team, which offers youth players a chance to transition into adult cricket. The 1st XI is committed to extensive winter training with indoor net sessions focusing on skill development. So, looking ahead to the 2025 season, the club is well-positioned to make a significant impact.”
We are very fortunate and privileged to have our president, Steve Tysoe, at the helm of our club. He consistently supports the continued development of cricket at Kislingbury CC. A heartfelt thank you to our advertising partners and supporters who back us and each team weekly. We hope to see you all at the ECL pavilion for the 2025 season.
Ben Swingler
