St Cross Symondians men’s and women’s first teams were crowned ECB National T20 Club champions in a historic first for the club, cricket in Hampshire and the ECB.
The club has enjoyed a season of success across its senior and junior sections.
Having already retained the Southern Premier League championship for the second consecutive season, St Cross Symondians men’s 1st team capped a magnificent campaign by defeating Bradford League high-fliers Townville by 15 runs at New Road, Worcester, to lift the ECB Vitality Club T20 Cup.
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Special occasion
The final was a tense contest as St Cross defended a total of 158 to restrict Townville to 143-7.
The team’s intelligent bowling, disciplined fielding and composure under pressure proved decisive.
The occasion was even more special by the incredible support from Winchester. Local fans of all ages filled a bus and travelled to Worcestershire to cheer on the team.
The women’s first team also reached the summit of the national T20 competition, winning the ECB Women’s Vitality Club T20 Cup at Wormsley and retaining the Hampshire Cricket League Division 1 title for the fifth time in 6 years.
PICTURES: St Cross CC
Pathway strength
Much of the section’s strength has been built from within the club, with young players developing through its junior pathways and progressing into senior cricket.
The women’s second team enjoyed a season to remember, winning the Hampshire Cricket League Division 2 title for the first time in the club’s history and retaining the Hampshire Women’s Slam Shield for a third consecutive year.
In the Slam final at Portsmouth Cricket Club, St Cross Crusaders defeated Yateley Flames by 23 runs, posting 152-5 before restricting their opponents to 130-4.
The success also extended into the junior section, with six St Cross players representing Hampshire Under-18s as the county secured the national double-format championship.
Darcey Clarke, Emily Wilson, Freya Watkinson, Iris Eshelby, Poppy White and Talitha Stanley were part of the Hampshire squad that won the national Under-18 T20 title against Nottinghamshire before defeating Yorkshire by eight wickets in the 50-over final.
St Cross’s own Under-17 girls have also reached the County Cup final, scheduled for the start of next season and providing the club further cause for excitement about the future.
Extraordinary achievement
Many of the club’s current players began their cricketing journeys through All Stars coaching from as young as six, developing into the home-grown talent now achieving success at senior and county level.
Club Chairman, Matt Haworth, said: “This is a truly historic season for St Cross Symondians. I couldn’t be prouder of everyone who has played a part.
“To see our men’s and women’s first teams both become national T20 champions is an extraordinary achievement. But what makes it so special is that it reflects years of hard work from players, coaches, volunteers and families across the club.
“This season belongs to the whole St Cross community.”
St Cross Symondians has signed a new lease with the brethren of St Cross until 2050, alongside an agreement with Winchester Council for River Park.
This provides an important foundation as the club continues to develop its facilities, participation and community activities.
Combined with the success of its senior teams, growing junior pathways and commitment to inclusive cricket, it provides a strong platform for the next generation of St Cross players and supporters.
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