Belvoir Cricket League: Hickling CC and Thorpe Arnold share title after dramatic finale

Joint league champions Hickling also lifted the Frank Woodhead Cup earlier this season EMN-181007-110728002

Thorpe Arnold went into them in first place having only suffered one defeat all season, while Hickling were close behind in second, having lost twice.

Hickling did their part by beating Petfoods, posting 117-4 before restricting a young Petfoods team to 75-8 in reply.

Thorpe faced a tough trip to Upper Broughton to clinch the title.

Broughton batted first and veteran Greg Richardson got them off to a flyer with 35, well backed up by youngsters Max Braime and Archie Cropper.

Late runs from Mike Roberts allowed Broughton to post their highest score of the season of 144-4.

Kingsley Miller and Myles Hickman got Thorpe off to an equally explosive start, but the introduction of Cropper’s spin saw him pick up three wickets and slow the run rate.

This left Thorpe needing 14 off the last over for the match and league.

But Roberts restricted them to just five to give Broughton a nine-run victory and third place in the final standings, while Thorpe and Hickling shared the title.

* As always, the league would welcome any new teams wishing to play cricket on Thursday nights.

If interested, contact league representative Mark Bullimore on 07941 617512.