1st XI Champions!
Fernhurst men win instant promotion from Division Three
The men’s 1st XI at Fernhurst Cricket Club is celebrating promotion to I’Anson Division Two after just one season in Div Three. A barnstorming run of wins means they are going straight back up as champions.
Captain Joe Unwin said “This year has been a huge success. The squad have all pulled together to create a well-performing team but also one that everyone loves being a part of. The atmosphere within the team this season has been great, which has allowed us to start bringing a couple of junior players into the squad, who have exceeded expectations. Heading into Division Two we will be aiming to compete with the top.”
One of the main reasons for relegation last year was a lack of consistent player availability; something which has been corrected this year. It coincides with the opening of the fantastic, new pavilion, for which Fernhurst CC raised so much money.
The President of the I’Anson League, Keith Ellis, presented the squad with their medals and then Joe Unwin with the Miller Cup. Keith Ellis said “You’ve dominated the division this year. Rarely have there been more worthy winners of the Miller Cup than Fernhurst today. It’s brilliant to be here in front of your wonderful, new pavilion. This is a proper club, with a proper ground full of proper cricketers and on that basis alone you deserve this trophy. Your cricket has obviously been outstanding this year, after a couple of difficult years. It’s great to see you back on an upward trajectory.”
It is the first time Fernhurst CC has won the Miller Cup, which was first presented in 1922 to Shottermill CC. After several ups and downs for FCC, this is the first time the 1st XI have been promoted as champions since 1999, when they won Division Two. The I’Anson League is believed to be the oldest, continuous league in village cricket. Fernhurst CC applied to join when it expanded in 1996.h
FCC Chairman Jon Meier said “After two challenging seasons for the 1st XI, this year has been fantastic. New skipper Joe Unwin and Vice Capt. Sam Meier have led selflessly all season and created an excellent atmosphere among the team. Welcoming back some established players has given them a solid foundation, enabling us to integrate some of our talented youngsters into the set up and give them their first experience of cricket at this level. The club as a whole is rightly proud of their achievement and the future looks extremely bright as we look ahead to challenging in Division Two in 2024.”
It has been a very busy season for the club and the 1st XI are not the only champions. Fernhurst Under 15s won their division in the Surrey Junior Cricket Championship (Tier 2 West). They have travelled far and wide since the start of May and put several ‘big’ clubs to the sword.
Fernhurst CC has been transformed over the past 15 years from one with no junior section and which was struggling for members. It now has several junior teams, the ‘Fernhurst Flames’ women and girls team and three men’s teams. Excellent nets and square and the new pavilion attract members from across the district. FCC even has an occasional playing member who is resident in Texas! New members are always welcome. Fernhurst CC believes in Sport for All, low membership fees and finds a team or a role for everyone.