Saturday 1st September away to Clymping

East Preston - 158 all out 42.4 overs  - 8 points

Clymping - 159 for 4 25 overs - 30 points

The final league game of the season had arrived and EP made the short journey to near neighbours Clymping. Weather was set fair and both the pitch and ground looked in good condition (shame about the dressing rooms!). EP needed just 3 points to ensure Division 1 cricket next year so the Skipper was more than happy to have been asked to bat by Paul Challen who won the toss for Clymping.

EP's number 3 Colin Smith was in familiar territory having to go in early after PP was out to Gareth Challen and unfortunately Sean was out relatively soon after being adjudged lbw again to Gareth Challen. Colin was enjoying the slight extra pace of leading wicket taker Salisbury and he and EP's number 4 Sam played some excellent shots around the ground. The pitch was a little slow so life for the batters was harder against the slower medium pace bowlers. Sam and Tom were both out in quick succession, Tom to Pearce and Sam to Waddington who were both bowling a tight spell, EP were 4 down and still short of the magic 125 which would see them pick up 4 points. The EP skipper was off the mark with a customary inside edge (much to the delight of PP) and was finding the slow paced pitch a little tricky to get used to. Even worse for EP was Colin getting out for 58, hitting a full bunger straight back to Waddington. Then another wicket soon fell with Gary Weedon being adjudged LBW to Pearce despite hitting the ball. I won't go into details but for the following 10 minutes the EP skipper experienced being sledged for the first time by the Clymping Umpire! The sledging seemed to wake up the EP skipper who then started to hit a few boundaries and EP had reached the magic target but were making life harder for themselves by trying to hit most balls for 4 - much to the delight of our Umpire Dickie "didn't happen in my day" Minton. A few more lusty blows followed for Miggins but EP were all out for 158 in 42.4 overs, a score in excess of 200 was required but I guess end of season fever had set in and the crucial target had been achieved so all were fairly happy.

After probably the best tea of the season, EP opened the bowling with Joel "found my mojo" Kingsbury and Mark Coskin, Coskin generated some genuine pace and was arguably the quickest bowler on display. Joel was moving the ball around and was very unlucky when his shout for LBW was turned down by the Clymping umpire. He soon made amends by giving out the same batsmen LBW to Joel who was now bowling a great spell until disaster struck and he pulled a "hammy" for the 2nd time this season and was unable to continue bowling. With the Clymping batters looking quite comfy against the seamers the Skipper introduced the spin twins who bowled well on the slow pitch. Miggins soon picked up a wicket and was very unlucky not to have got the dangerous Gareth Challen out twice but the 2 chances went begging ( no names mentioned).

With Clymping easing their way to the target the Skipper decided to let a couple of the team have a bowl, Gary (as he was harshly given out LBW) and Swiss "big" Tony in recognition of turning out for the 1's on a few occasions this year. Tony repaid the faith by claiming 2 wickets in 2 balls (one a fantastic athletic catch by the Skipper - ok one he was slow to move for at first!) but was denied the chance of a hat trick with the winning runs being hit off Gary.

The game was lost but in all honesty no one was too upset, EP had secured division 1 cricket next year and all had a fun afternoon in a match played in good spirit. The Skipper had kept a smile on his face all afternoon ( and the cap stayed on) despite much goading by PP Dallimore.

In summary of the 2007 league season, it was a case of objective achieved. EP finished 6th out of 9 teams but only just over 30 points behind the team in 3rd (if only it hadn't rained at Southwick), with the goal posts moving mid season EP also secured a place in the restructured division 1 in 2008. At times this season EP had played fantastic cricket with the wins at Wisborough, Portslade and home to Southwick and Scaynes Hill but we also had our customary off days - Wisborough at EP being the worst. The season was affected by rain (3 games off) and the toss was crucial in  a number of matches on damp underprepared pitches (not at EP!). At times the Skipper probably showed his frustration in public too often but this was down to wanting EP to perform at the level they are capable of. There were only 2 players who played every league game and as mentioned before the stats show the sides that use the fewest number of players during a season perform the best. Next year will provide tougher games so hopefully there will be greater player availibity to ensure a good season for EP.

A few thank you's, Colin (for the pitch), PP for the outfield, the teas, Sonia and David for the bar etc. Dickie for umpiring, Tom and Andy for notifying the teams, Carol and Steve for scoring and Joel for being my number 2 (not easy at times) and the committee.

After 2 years of being Captain (something I have been really proud to do) and 2  promotions I have decided that I will not stand for the role of Captain in 2008.I wont go into all the details now, not the time or the place but I wish the EP skipper in 2008 all the best and my support.I would like to think that in these two years we have progressed as a club. The emergence of some of our younger players colts and ex-colts which is testament to the hard work of Keith, Joel and Co, in particular Sean (revelation opening the batting), Darryl and Jack has been great and there are more that will come through from the 2's soon. Plus the more experienced players have all "come to the party" when needed. The future at EP looks bright.

Winter well.

Lockie.