Double delight for Abbots + Hicks misses out on 1,000 league runs

ABBOTSKERSWELL were confirmed as C West champions as nothing changed in their division. They were washed off at Stoke Gabriel, who were 51 for three at the time.

Abbots have had some tough times in recent seaons so a double promotion tasted very sweet.

“We had a goal at the start of the year to go straight back up after two relegations in a row and we achieved that,” said pround captain Charlie Hill.

“Every player played a part in the success of the team and it was such a young team as well.

“Everybody at the club worked so hard this year and it's a well-deserved result.

The 2nd XI finished top of the division too, so we celebrated well as a club.

“Unfortunately our third team got relegated, which put a damper on proceedings, but they will bounce back next - I'm sure of it.”

Spare a thought for Stoke’s Aussie run-machine Nathan Hicks, who missed out on 1,000 league runs for the season by a whisker.

Hicks – five tons, three 50s – finished on 994 runs for the season having made none and one in his last two games.

Second-placed Alphington did not bowl a ball against Kingsbridge. They will face Filleigh in the play-offs this Saturday at either Kingsbidge or Lewdown.

Chelston – 30 for none against Babbacombe – finished bottom and go down with Whitchurch.