Promotion!

Knowing that 5 points would be enough to guarantee promotion even if Barwell won, was enough to ensure the lads were up for the fight versus a very good Shesphed team. Ash and Thorpey bowled accurately reducing Shesphed to 27-3 early on. Toony took the vital wicket of Karl Shaw, but Danny Brown looked comfortable. Adam Clapton supported Brown as they added 47 runs on a greenish track.

Shepshed's lower order batted sensibly as they reached 170-9 after 45 overs. Toony with 4-52 was the leading wicket taker. In reply Ben went early but Gaz looked in form after his holiday. Will joined Gaz but first change Ashley Palmer dismissed Gaz then Matt as things got nervy. Craig played some crashing shots before being well held off a top edge, but it was the wand of Hayden that saw the team to thier first target of 100 and that invaluable fifth bonus point.

Promotion secured the chase for victory was on, however Shepshed had a secret weapon in Adam Clapton! Floating the ball up, Countesthorpe's middle and lower order subsided, mainly to good catches in the deep. Clapton finished with 4-13 as Countesthorpe were dismissed for 142 and although Hinckley Ams secured the title, the prize of promotion was one worthy of celebration. Division 2 next year will be a challenge but one the lads can take on.